To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the Government plan to provide public funding for local access groups which provide advice services in relation to accessibility for people with limited mobility. (142485)

The Section 64 General Scheme of Grants to Voluntary Organisations is the Department's main funding source to voluntary organisations. Although this year's round has now closed, if local access groups are considering making an application in the future they can obtain information about the scheme from

www.dh.gov.uk/section64.

The 2008-09 applications window has not yet opened. It is likely that we will now place the funding priorities on the Department's website in the week commencing 18 June, with a view to opening the scheme to applications on 2 July. This should provide organisations with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the 2008-09 funding priorities before we open for applications.

Local access groups may also wish to approach the National Council for Voluntary Organisations and the Institute of Fundraising, who may be able to offer advice on other possible sources of funding.