The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has asked MP Danny Kruger to consult with charities over how they can continue supporting communities amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Johnson has written to Kruger to ask him to work with civil society minister Baroness Barran to “maximise the role of volunteers, community groups, faith groups, charities and social enterprises” as communities recover from the outbreak.
This includes how data and technology can improve the help the voluntary sector can offer communities.
Opportunities for young people is another priority, as is how charities can support those who have lost their jobs and facing poverty due to the outbreak.
Charities’ role in supporting the NHS and local services, including libraries and older people support are other priorities, according to Johnson’s letter to Kruger.
Delighted to be asked by the PM to work with @dianabarran on proposals to sustain the amazing community response to Covid-19. We have seen society in action in this crisis - how can we empower & strengthen communities for the long term? Pls email me danny.kruger.mp@parliament.uk pic.twitter.com/T9kxSCwArP
— Danny Kruger (@danny__kruger) June 24, 2020
The letter praises the “innovation, flexibility and can-do spirit” of charities.
It adds: “As we enter the next phase of our response to the crisis, the recovery phase, we need to sustain and build on this goodwill.
“The recovery will be long and hard and it is clear that our communities will need help that goes beyond both statutory welfare and economic stimulus.
“Government has a role to play in supporting the voluntary effort and social entrepreneurialism that has proved so valuable so far, and will be just as vital in the years ahead.”
Kruger has been Conservative MP for Devizes, in Wiltshire, since last December and was previously Johnson’s political secretary.
He has been asked to consult with councils and MPs as well as charities on developing proposals to present to Johnson by 24 July.
Recent Stories