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Statement by Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector

“In the light of recent global economic events, the Government is more determined than ever to support the third sector through the upcoming months and years.

“We recognise that charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises will face tough challenges, particularly in raising donations, while demand for their services is likely to go up.

“The newly founded National Economic Council will consider the impact of the current financial crisis on the whole economy including the third sector, whose interests will be represented by Cabinet Office Ministers and officials at the highest level.

“We are working closely with sector leaders, representing small and large organisations, and I will sit alongside Stuart Etherington to co-chair an upcoming NCVO sector-wide summit to tackle upcoming issues.

“We are also pleased that the sector’s regulator, the Charity Commission, is providing advice and guidance for charities and their trustees via its helpline and website.

“The sector is in fact in better shape than ever before to meet the challenges ahead, not least since the Government has doubled investment over the last 11 years to £11billion a year.

“We are working with the Treasury to do what we can to support those organisations with investments in Icelandic banks, and ensure they are in the strongest possible position to protect their investments.”