S3W-16976: Voluntary Org Support

To ask the Scottish Executive what support it can provide to community, voluntary and social economy organisations whose operational or reserve fund bank deposits are adversely affected by the impact of the credit crunch in the international financial markets.

Answered by John Swinney (27/10/2008): The Scottish Government recognise that charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises will face tough challenges, particularly in raising donations, while demand for their services is likely to go up. We are working closely and on an on-going basis with sector leaders to determine the impact on Scottish organisations are affected. The sector''s regulator, OSCR, is providing advice and guidance for charities and their trustees via its helpline and website.

The vital contribution of a vibrant third sector to a more successful Scotland is recognised in £93 million available to the third sector over the next three years, a 37% increase on the last spending review intended to make the sector more sustainable.