Stirling MP Alyn Smith has joined a cross-party effort, calling on the UK government to provide support to the third sector amid the Coronavirus crisis.

A letter, signed by 176 MPs (including Mr Smith) from all ten parties represented in the House of Commons, calls for an immediate injection of government funding to help save third sector organisations.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations predicts that there will be a loss of £4.3 billion to the sector over a 12-week lockdown period.

The cross-party effort is also calling for salaried workers for charitable organisations to be covered by the UK government’s commitment to covering 80% of their salaries if retained during this period.

Commenting, Alyn Smith said:

“This is a deeply worrying time for a great many organisations, and it’s no different for the third sector.

“The Stirling area proudly boasts a strong charity and voluntary sector, it’s really important that this is protected, particularly as this is a tie when we are looking to many third sector organisations to help deliver some key support services to people in our local communities.

“I hope the Chancellor answers these calls. This is not party-political, this is common sense. Our charity sector works hard to support our communities, it’s time that they got a bit of support too.”

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