Evening,
A brief report today, but a very welcome announcement from out Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP about support for charities.
Support for charities
• The Chancellor announced a £750m support package for the charity sector.
o £370m will go to small, local charities supporting vulnerable people. It will be distributed through organisations like the National Lottery Communities Fund. £60m of this will to be allocated to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland via the Barnett formula.
o £360m will go directly to charities providing essential services and supporting vulnerable people. Up to £200m of this will go to hospices. The rest will go to organisations like St John’s Ambulance, Citizens Advice Bureau and charities supporting vulnerable children, victims of domestic abuse, or disabled people.
• Following the BBC’s announcement last night of a ‘Big Night In’ charity appeal on 23rd of April, the Chancellor announced that he will match £ for £ what the public donate through this appeal. The Government will allocate at least £20m of this for the National Emergencies Trust Appeal.
More Details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/…/chancellor-of-the-exchequer-rishi-suna…
Torbay Together Conference Call
Torbay Together, led by Jim Parker, held a conference call to discuss issues facing Torbay and South Devon. We were fortunate to have Liz Davenport, from Devon CCG, who updated us on the preparedness of Torbay Hospital and what future steps are being taken in rural areas (watch this space). NHS staff testing is well underway and the numbers of test are increasing each day.
It was also a good to hear from business leaders in the area who raised the point about support, or in some cases the lack of it, for small businesses. I maintain this is a point I will continue to fight for as no small business should be left behind.
Conference call with Devon and Cornwall PCC
A great deal of concern has been raised about second homers coming down at this time. I share that concern and I feel it is irresponsible to do so. Please remember to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
Alison Hernandez and her team updated us on efforts across the South West to stop the movement of people. She reassured us that the police we enacting the Engage, Educate and Enforcement system which has seen fines issued and people turned back. It is obviously a huge challenge and one that we continue to fight.
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Please keep feeding in your thoughts and concerns, I am here to help.
Apologies for the brief update.
Best
Anthony