Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Prime Minister's broadcast announcement on Monday 23rd March 2020, what the Government's policy is on the voluntary sector and community support groups that wish to help vulnerable housebound and self-isolating people during the covid-19 epidemic; and if he will make a statement.
We are working closely with voluntary sector organisations to identify key partners to lead efforts and mobilise volunteers safely. The government launched the NHS Volunteer Responders programme yesterday, however, this is not intended to replace local groups helping their vulnerable neighbours but is an additional service.