A group of MPs have signed an early day motion calling on the Office of the Third Sector and local government to help voluntary organisations weather the economic storm.
The petition says charities face an increased demand for their services in an economic downturn, and that in times of crisis groups in the sector are good at engaging with the most disadvantaged. It also says voluntary organisations are crucial to the delivery of social policy goals for ending child poverty, supporting families and the elderly.
Lindsay Hoyle, Labour MP for Chorley in Cheshire, began the petition, which "calls on the Office of the Third Sector to introduce the necessary measures to help voluntary organisations, both small and large, cope with the challenges they face".
Thirteen MPs have so far thrown their weight behind the motion.
In his Christmas message to the third sector, posted on the OTS's website, Prime Minister Gordon Brown pledged to support the sector over the coming months and help it play its role in "helping the country through the downturn fairly".
Sector needs government help to ride recession, say MPs
Early day motion calls for support and says charities are ‘crucial’ in times of crisis
