Emergency funding for charities welcomed by Mid Sussex MP

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has pledged £750milllion towards the charitable sector to ensure organisations can continue their vital work during the coronavirus outbreak.

A total of £360million will be directly allocated to key charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people during the crisis.

This funding will be allocated by Government department and will include up to £200 million to hospices, funding to support St John Ambulance, victims’ charities, vulnerable children’s charities and Citizens Advice to increase the number of staff providing advice.

Mid Sussex MP Mims Davies said: “As the former charities minister I know just how important a role charities play in our local communities across the whole United Kingdom.

“This support package announced by the Chancellor will mean a huge amount to so many charities. The £370million to support small and medium sized charities at the heart of local communities is going to make the world of difference and with the National Lottery Community Fund assisting with the allocation we can all be confident it will go to organisations which are playing a crucial role in our fight against coronavirus – those delivering food, essential medicines and providing financial advice.

“The Government has also committed a minimum of £20 million to match donations made during the BBC’s upcoming ‘Big Night In’ live fundraising appeal. “Charities are vital pillars in our communities and I’m proud to of this Government’s initiative to support them during this uncertain time.”

Announcing the funding, Mr Sunak said: “Our charities are playing a crucial role in the national fight against coronavirus, supporting those who are most in need.

“It’s right we do everything we can to help the sector during this difficult time, which is why we have announced this unprecedented £750 million package of extra funding.

“This will ensure our key charities can continue to deliver the services that millions of people up and down the country rely on.”

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