Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, pledged his support for charities across the UK by signing a letter addressed to Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises not only support local communities, but will also play a crucial role in the national response to Coronavirus. This will help alleviate some of the pressure on our NHS and social care services during this uncertain time and provide support to people suffering economically, socially and from mental health issues.

However, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations predicts that the charity sector will see a loss of £4.3bn in income over the next 12 weeks and so without an immediate injection of money, many charities will be forced to close.

Over 100 MPs and Peers from seven different Parties have signed the letter and it has been sent to Rishi Sunak. Sir David and his Parliamentary colleagues are asking for the Government’s announcement of further financial support for employers, businesses and individuals to apply to charities as well.

The letter highlights how the Government can support charities, and three of those measures are: immediate emergency funding, a stabilisation fund to help charities stay afloat and having the Government cover 80% of the salary of retained workers.

Sir David said “it is very important that our Government takes action to support UK charities during this Coronavirus pandemic because charities and other voluntary organisations will be especially key when fighting the virus” and “charities will not only reduce the pressure on our healthcare services, but will also provide much needed social support to our population”.