COVID-19: Charity measures

9th April 2020

Chancellor sets out extra £750 million coronavirus funding for frontline charities

In the daily briefing on 8 April, the Chancellor set out a package of support for charities to ensure they can continue their vital work during the COVID-19 outbreak. Charities across the UK will receive £750 million.

The support will be available for frontline charities across the UK – including hospices and those supporting domestic abuse victims.

Of the funding available, £370 million will be used to support small and medium sized charities, including local charities working with vulnerable people and those delivering food, essential medicines and providing financial advice during the outbreak. In England, this support will be provided through organisations like the National Lottery Communities Fund. £60 million of this funding will be provided through the Barnett formula to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The UK government will also provide £360 million, through direct cash grants allocated by government departments, directly to charities providing essential services and supporting vulnerable people. These include:

  • Hospices to help increase capacity and give stability to the sector.
  • St Johns Ambulance to support the NHS.
  • Victims charities, including domestic abuse, to help with potential increase in demand for charities providing these services.
  • Vulnerable children charities, so they can continue delivering services on behalf of local authorities.
  • Citizens Advice to increase the number of staff providing advice during this difficult time.

The Government also stated that they will match donations to the National Emergencies Trust as part of the BBC’s Big Night In fundraiser later this month – pledging a minimum of £20 million.

It is understood that government departments will now work at pace to identify priority recipients, with the aim for charities to receive money in the coming weeks. The application system for the National Lottery Community Fund grant pot is expected to be operational within a similar period of time.

These announcements build on previous announcements to support charities and businesses, including deferring their VAT bills, paying no business rates for their shops next year, and furloughing staff where possible with the Government paying 80% of their wages.

If you wish to discuss the above article and/or any other COVID-19 related initiatives please contact your usual haysmacintyre contact or email CV19@haysmacintyre.com.

Kathryn Burton

Partner, Head of Professional Institutes & Membership Bodies
+44 20 7969 5515
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