Chancellor announces £750m package to support charities

A FUNDING package for £750m has been announced to support the UK’s charity sector through the coronavirus crisis, as the public was told “we depend on each other” to get through the outbreak.

Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing at 10 Downing Street yesterday, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said many charities were already benefiting from schemes already announced by the Government, such as furloughing staff on 80 per cent of their pay.

But he said for those on the frontline of tackling coronavirus or supporting the vulnerable “shutting up shop at this moment would be to contravene their very purpose”.

Mr Sunak said charities, including those supporting domestic abuse victims and hospices, will receive the cash grants to ensure they can meet increased demand as a result of the virus.

Some £370m will be for small charities working with vulnerable people, given through the National Lottery, and £360m will go to charities providing essential services, including £200m to hospices.

It comes after the Leeds-founded Sue Ryder charity, which runs two hospices in the region, said on Tuesday that without funds, it would be forced to close and stop caring for people in hospices and in their own homes.

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.”

The Government has also pledged to match the public’s donations to the National Emergencies Trust, guaranteeing a minimum of £20m.

Sir John Low, the chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), said: “This set of measures from the Treasury will offer important and welcome support for civil society at this very difficult time for us all.”

But he added that “there is still a long way to go”.

Labour’s Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds said the scheme “falls far short of filling the financial black hole many organisations are facing”.

But Mr Sunak said: “We need the gentleness of charities in our lives. It gives us hope, it makes us stronger, and reminds us we depend on each other.”