The House of Lords will today debate an amendment to the Civil Contingencies Bill that would oblige local authorities to offer advice and support to the voluntary sector in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.

Presently, clause 4 of the bill says that support, advice and assistance should be provided by local authorities to businesses involved in commercial activities in their region to help them to survive an emergency. The clause makes not mention of charities, and support services charity Charity Logistics has lobbied the Government to include the sector. It has already won backing from Simon Hebditch, executive director of the CAF, who has urged the Government to reconsider, and an assurance from the Local Government Association that it will not oppose the move.

An amendment introduced in May to the House of Commons by Shadow Leader of the House, Oliver Heald was rejected by government minister Hazel Blears who said: "The provision is aimed at keeping the economy moving in the event of an emergency. It is therefore inappropriate to accept those amendments." Now, both Labour peer Lord Archer of Sandwell and Baroness Buscombe, Shadow Minister for Culture Media & Sport and Legal Affairs have tabled a similar proposal.

Chief executive of Charity Logistics George Cook said he was hopeful the Government would now stop blocking the move: “In the last few days the government has informed us that it now has an 'open mind on the matter' and is now willing to discuss this with us. We hope that this means they will drop their opposition to these amendments and include community organisations.

"Charities and voluntary organisations need continuity planning just as much as other organisations do and, like them, we should benefit from Local Authority advice and assistance."