Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to promote the Prime Minister's Points of Light awards; and how much was spent (a) overall and (b) on staff costs related to the distribution of those awards in each year since their launch.

The Point of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers, who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. It was set up in partnership with US Points of Light with the personal support of original founder, President George HW Bush and current US President Barack Obama. Since the UK launch in April 2014, the Prime Minister has recognised over 570 people from all over the United Kingdom for their remarkable service. Award winners receive a personal letter from the Prime Minister, a certificate, a tweet from the official PM account and where possible some local media coverage including the local MP, regardless of political party.

Points of Light are also connected with each other to share best practice and increasingly work together to have even greater impact in our communities. The costs of the award are minimal but not held centrally.