Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Jamie Reed (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 12 December 2007 on behalf of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Third Sector

Question: I would like to hustle the Minister straight away. He mentioned the £130 million grass-roots grant. How can charitable organisations in my constituency, such as cricket and rugby clubs and the hospice movement, apply for that? To ensure that there is dynamism, will the application process be free of significant bureaucracy?

Answer: My hon. Friend raises a big challenge for Government, and it is important that we meet it. Let me briefly say something about the way the scheme will operate. The money will be distributed by the Community Development Foundation not centrally to local organisations in his constituency, but to local partner organisations who know the circumstances on the ground. We hope that by the middle of next year, when those partners have been chosen, organisations such as those in my hon. Friend’s constituency will be able to apply for the money. I hesitate to say this, but we will make good on this promise: there should be as light a touch as possible in the application process, because that approach is incredibly important for the smallest organisations in the country.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 469 c285
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Applications Finance Grants Voluntary organisations Community Development Foundation Social policy
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk