Debra Allcock Tyler, chief executive of the Directory of Social Change, has congratulated Nick Hurd on his appointment as the new charities minister, and highlighted some important issues DSC wants the new Government to address.

Allcock Tyler said: "Nick's predecessors have set the bar miserably low but I hope he can make this role a key one within government and work to meet the needs of the sector and the communities it serves in the broadest sense."

"In opposition he's been fantastic, we've always found him to be accessible and willing to listen to the concerns of a wide range of organisations. We hope the realities of government won't change this, but he's had 18 months to learn the brief so we are optimistic."

"We are looking forward to Nick helping to deliver on his party's policy commitments, such as 'thinning the thicket of regulation' that inhibits voluntary action, and to really support local grant funding and increased philanthropy - all crucial to helping independent charities, voluntary organisations and community groups play their full role in society."

She continued: "We all know this Government faces some huge challenges - dealing with the public finances and the economy, but also the practical realities of maintaining a stable coalition. Policy which affects the voluntary sector must not get lost in the shuffle. It's important that Nick can help make that case to his new colleagues."

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