Kramer quizzes Byrne [Oct 08]

5.07.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 20th Oct 2008

• [Oct 08]: Susan Kramer (Cabinet Office; Richmond Park, Liberal Democrat): I, too, join in welcoming the new Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to his post.

As he will be well aware, the economic recession will put many new demands on voluntary services dealing with those who are financially damaged by the economic turmoil. Will he make sure that the voice of the voluntary sector is heard in the new National Economic Council? At present, voluntary institutions are both losing volunteers and donations and facing increased demands. Will he get behind efforts to ensure that funding does not dry up in this critical period?

Liam Byrne (Minister of State, Cabinet Office; Birmingham, Hodge Hill, Labour): The third sector will of course have a voice on the National Economic Council: that voice will be mine. I shall be supported in that work by the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, my hon. Friend Kevin Brennan. It is extremely important that we understand exactly what extra demands are being made on the voluntary and third sector in slower economic conditions, and that across Government we understand whether there are lines of funding, such as Futurebuilders, that can be directed in a helpful way. I am glad to be able to tell the House that my hon. Friend lost no time in getting together yesterday with about 45 organisations to begin that very conversation.