There has been much criticism that the charity sector has not been referred to specifically in the Covid-19 government announcements, despite many facing financial difficulties at a time when demand for the services they provide never being higher.
Although charities are able to benefit from many of the general announcements, such as the Job Retention Scheme, this is the first time that funding has been specifically committed to for the charity sector.
Today, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that frontline charities across the UK will benefit from a £750m package of support to continue their work during the coronavirus outbreak as follows:
- £360m from government departments direct to charities providing vital services. This is likely to include hospices, St Johns Ambulance as well as organisations working with victims, young children, and in the area of citizens advice. Funding should be available in the coming weeks.
- £370m for small and medium sized charities, including via a grant to the National Lottery Community Fund for charities at the heart of local communities. Again funding should be available in the coming weeks.
- £20m pledge to the BBC’s Big Night In fundraiser to be held later in April
We will provide further details on this when available.