MP for Basildon and East Thurrock, Angela Smith has been appointed the new Minister for the Third Sector. She replaces Kevin Brennan, who moves over to the Department for Business.

The position has also now been raised to Minister of State and was welcomed by the sector's associations.

Stuart Etherington, CEO, NCVO said: “This is a crucial time for voluntary and community organisations and Angela will need to work closely with us all to support civil society through these turbulent times.

"The new Minister has extensive experience of our sector and we look forward to working with her in the coming months.”

Stephen Bubb, ACEVO CEO, commented: “This is fantastic news. Not only do we have an excellent new Minister for the Third Sector in Angela Smith but her appointment marks a promotion for the sector. We now have a Minster of State as opposed to a Parliamentary Secretary, I’m delighted.”

John Low, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), added: “The government’s commitment to charities is embodied by the position of Minister for the Third Sector. We welcome Angela Smith’s appointment and look forward to helping her build upon the good work of her predecessors.

“We hope Smith will put tax effective giving and Gift Aid reform at the top of her agenda. This is particularly important now as charities see demand for their services increase in the face of recession. We estimate that charities miss out on £750 million a year in unclaimed Gift Aid, which would make a massive difference to causes up and down the UK.”

See the Charity Times Blog: http://www.charitytimes.com/blog/