Written question asked by Lord Luke (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bassam of Brighton (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 December 2006.

Volunteers

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they intend to reach the target announced on 25 October of 1 million men, women and young people to serve as volunteers in schools and communities; how much they estimate this policy will cost; what negotiations have taken place with trade unions and school authorities to provide access to these additional volunteers in schools; and whether additional resources will be made available to police child protection schemes associated with this initiative.

Answer: The announcement made on Wednesday 25 October 2006 referred to the aim identified in the Russell commission report on youth action and engagement, published in March 2005, of involving 1 million more young people in volunteering within the next five years. The new independent youth-led charity v, which was launched on Monday 8 May 2006, is working towards this aim. V has the lead in delivering a step change in the quality, quantity and diversity of volunteering opportunities available to young people aged 16 to 25 in England. More than 60,000 volunteering opportunities have been created since the charity's launch. Funding of £100 million has been made available to implement the Russell commission recommendations, of which £50 million is available through a match-funding scheme. Match-funding pledges from private sector funding partners has reached over £17 million. Any necessary Criminal Records Bureau checks, which are free for most volunteers, will be carried out by the providers of the volunteering opportunities as required by current rules and regulations.

Secondary information