Barry has written to Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sports regarding an urgent review for the level of funding charities are receiving from Government.
Charities are doing all they can to keep services functioning. However, further support from the Government at this time will be essential as they continue to play a vital role in the national response to Covid-19 both now and in the months to come.
Barry has asked for a review of the level of support provided for charities as the crisis continues and ensure that the third sector is able to benefit from existing schemes for business and support the following calls from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.
A £4 billion stabilisation fund to help charities stay afloat, pay staff and continue operating during the pandemic.
A ‘mobilisation fund’ to provide emergency funding for frontline charities and volunteers currently supporting the response to Covid-19.
To provide clarity as to whether they would consider covering all or part of our liability and/or paying the salaries for professionals working in the NHS redeployed to support the response to Covid-19.
Allow charities to recover irrecoverable VAT.
Waive the apprenticeship levy which many organisations struggle to recoup even in normal times
Consider allowing charity staff furloughed from other areas of the organisation to volunteer for their charity’s frontline services.
