COVID19 Update: 9th April 2020 – Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that UK Charities are set to receive a support package worth £750 million to ensure they can continue their vital work throughout the coronavirus crisis.
- £750 million pot for frontline UK charities – including hospices and those supporting domestic abuse victims
- £360 million direct from government departments and £370 million for smaller charities, including through a grant to the National Lottery Community Fund
- government will match donations to the National Emergencies Trust as part of the BBC’s fundraiser “Big Night In” on Thursday 23 April – pledging at least £20 million
Direct cash grants for Charities proving vital services & supporting the vulnerable through COVID19
The direct cash grants will help charities to meet increased demand as a result of the COVID19 & helping them continuing their day-to-day activities supporting those in need.
£360 million will be allocated by government departments to charities providing vital services and supporting vulnerable people during the crisis.
These will include:
- hospices to help increase capacity and give stability to the sector
- St Johns Ambulance to support the NHS
- victims charities, including domestic abuse, to help with potential increase in demand for charities providing these services
- vulnerable children charities, so they can continue delivering services on behalf of local authorities
- Citizens Advice to increase the number of staff providing advice during this difficult time
Small & medium sized charities to receive financial support
£370 million dedicated to small and medium-sized charities, including through a grant to the National Lottery Community Fund for those in England, will support those organisations at the heart of local communities which are making a big difference during the outbreak, including those delivering food, essential medicines and providing financial advice.
BBC’s Big Night In – 23 April
The Government will match fund whatever the public donates to the BBC’s Big Night In charity appeal on 23 April, starting with a contribution of at least £20 million to the National Emergencies Trust appeal.
Other measures to help the charity sector through COVID19
These funds build on previous announcements by the Chancellor to support charities and businesses, including deferring their VAT bills, paying no business rates for their shops next year, and furloughing staff where possible with the Government paying 80% of their wages.
Applying for funding if you are a charity
Departments will now work at pace to identify priority recipients, with the aim for charities to receive money in the coming weeks. The application system for the National Lottery Community Fund grant pot is expected to be operational within a similar period of time.
Devolved charities
Where charitable services are devolved the UK Government has applied the Barnett formula in the normal way. We expect the devolved administrations to receive £60 million through the charities pot, and further significant Barnett allocations, dependent on the final proposals funded, through the direct grant pot. We encourage the devolved administrations to use this funding to support charities.
We hope this information helps you and we are here for you during this difficult time. We will continue to keep you updated as the Government releases new information. Our business contingency plan is in place and we will do everything we can to support our clients during this uncertain period, please do not hesitate to contact us here if you have any concerns or queries.
Visit our COVID19 Business Hub and find out what you could be entitled to
The information contained above is for general guidance purposes only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the contents are accurate, please note that each individual has different circumstances and it is essential that you seek appropriate professional advice before you act on any of the information contained herein. HB Accountants can accept no liability for any errors or omission or for any person acting on or refraining from acting on the information provided in the above
