10. To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what her Department’s latest assessment is of the effects of the recession on charities. (283147)

In recognition of the challenges for the challenges for the sector during the recession, we have provided a significant package of support for the third sector of up to £42.5 million of targeted support, plus the £16.7 million hardship fund announced in the Budget in April, plus the £1.2 billion future jobs fund which the sector will have a share in.

This comprehensive package of measures includes support for volunteers, grants to small organisations, social enterprises, support for jobs, and loans to assist partnership working.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what her Department’s latest assessment is of the effects of the recession on charities. (283140)

We recognise there is a double challenge for the sector during the economic downturn—an increased demand for services and concerns about their financial viability.

In response to that we have provided a significant package of support for the third sector of up to £42.5 million of targeted support which is delivering real help now, plus the £16.7 million hardship fund announced in the Budget in April, plus the £1.2 billion future jobs fund which the sector will have a share in.

This comprehensive package of measures includes support for volunteers, grants to small organisations, social enterprises, support for jobs and loans to assist partnership working.