UK Government Launches Civil Society Strategy
13 August 2018 at 3:40 pm
The UK government has launched its first Civil Society Strategy in 15 years, promising to put communities and charities “at the heart of decision-making”.
UK Minister for Sport and Civil Society, Tracey Crouch, unveiled the strategy last week, which focuses on five key foundations of social value: people, places, and the public, private, and social sectors.
Crouch said the strategy would help support civil society as the “bedrock of our communities”.
“Our strategy builds on this spirit of common good to help create a country that works for everyone. I want people, organisations and businesses to feel inspired to get involved and make a difference,” Crouch said.
“Through collaboration, we will unlock the huge potential of this incredible sector, help it grow, support the next generation and create a fairer society.”
As part of the strategy, the UK government will unlock £20 million (A$35 million) from inactive charitable trusts – those which spend less than 30 per cent of their annual income – to support community organisations over the next two years.
The government will also take up to £330 million (A$579 million) from dormant bank and building society accounts to help the homeless, disadvantaged young people, and local charities, over the next four years.
This includes £90 million (A$158 million) in funding to get disadvantaged young people into employment and £55 million (A$97 million) to tackle financial exclusion.
Overall, the strategy aims to help charities make their voices heard on important issues, while ensuring charitable trustees reflect the diversity of UK society.
UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Jeremy Wright, said: “Our plans stand side-by-side with the Industrial Strategy, supporting its drive to grow the economy, while creating an environment where people and communities are at the heart of decision-making.
“These ambitious plans will harness the expertise of volunteers, charities and business to help people take a more active part in their local areas.”
