New Deal Promise for Volunteering says Mike Weatherley

 

Mike Weatherley, Prospective Conservative MP for Hove & Portslade has highlighted the Conservative Party's promise to free up the voluntary sector to liberate people's enthusiasm, creativity and fund-raising.

Mike said: 'As I meet prospective constituents in Hove & Portslade I am often impressed by how many people help out their local charity, church or just lend a hand to a neighbour who needs some support at a difficult time. That is one of the key qualities of our local area.

The Conservative Party recognises that this kind of voluntary effort is carried out all over the country and a new Conservative Government would create a new deal for the 'third sector' (charities, voluntary groups and organisations) to encourage people in their volunteering and to allow new, innovative ways of helping people, to be developed.'

Mike added: 'During the lifetime of this Labour Government the third sector has frequently been prodded and cajoled with the lure of contract-based funding to provide services in a particular way.

If a third sector organisation wants to provide contract-based services that is fine, of course, but Conservatives believe that grant-based funding, which allows as much flexibility and innovation as possible by the organisation concerned would be more helpful in allowing charities and voluntary groups the room to grow and develop their services in the most effective way possible for the people they are seeking to help and support. The state needs to trust the third sector.

My Party will also create the Voluntary Action Lottery Fund, which will replace the Big Lottery Fund. It will be made completely independent of the Government and it will distribute to charities and voluntary bodies rather than see its funds used for central Government initiatives.'

If you would like to read more about the Conservative Party's proposals to help volunteering then follow this link below:

The Conservative Party _ Policy _ Where we stand _ Voluntary Sector