Rachael Maskell – 2020 Comments on Covid-19 and the Charity Sector

Below is the text of the comments made by Rachael Maskell, the Shadow Minister the Voluntary Sector and Charities, on 19 June 2020.

The economic challenges of Covid-19 have had a devastating impact on charities. Charities have lost much of their income and half of charity staff have been furloughed. Without further support measures, there may be many more significant redundancies across the sector.

Many people across the country rely on the variety of services and support the charity sector provides. However, while fundraising is limited and without Government intervention, many of these charities will be unable to cope with the increased demand of their services.

This is deeply concerning and Labour is calling on Government to provide the recovery support needed. Not to do so will place enormous pressure on public services and will result in many people in our communities struggling without the vital support and care they need.