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14 December 2009
On Wednesday 9th December, on the floor of the House, Guildford’s MP – Anne Milton - questioned the Cabinet Office Minister Angela Smith MP on why money designed to help third sector organisations in Guildford survive during the recession is being wasted on red tape and bureaucracy.
Anne said:
“The recession has put tremendous pressure on our volunteer groups and third sector organisations. Many have seen corporate sponsorship fall dramatically and we are already seeing some charities having to cut the services they offer to what are often the most needy and vulnerable people in our communities. The Government’s third sector recession plan was designated to help, but reports are that the money is being caught up in red tape and bureaucracy. Of course we need to make sure our money is spent effectively but we need to make sure the money gets through to the front line where it’s needed. I know many people have been affected by the downturn but I hope that everyone locally will do all they can to support our fantastic local charities through these difficult times”
NOTES
1. Anne Milton (Guildford) (Con): What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the third sector recession action plan. [304978]
The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Angela E. Smith): The Government recognise the extraordinary role the sector plays in helping vulnerable people through the recession. That is why we have given unprecedented help and support to the sector, both through existing programmes and through the £42.5 million "Real help now" programme, the community action plans and the £16.7 million hardship fund. That money is getting out there right now: the programmes have already provided £32 million-worth of assistance to a total of 1,546 organisations. Evaluations of all our major recession programmes are already under way, and reports will be produced from the middle of next year.
Anne Milton: I wonder whether the Minister is aware that charities helping those with mental health problems, such as Oakleaf Enterprise and the YMCA in my Guildford constituency, are facing a massive downturn in income. Instead of the "laser-targeted" package of help the Government's press release described in February, we have the usual lumbering, bureaucratic, red-tape nightmare so commonly seen from this Government.
Angela E. Smith: I am surprised at the hon. Lady's comments, and if she wants to give me examples, I will be happy to look at them, because we have tried very hard to minimise the amount of red tape. Indeed, on the hardship fund in particular, we have been praised for the swiftness of our assessment of applications. Obviously, we want to ensure that charities and organisations who need help can get it quickly, and it is impressive that £32 million has already gone out to help them.
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