Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he has taken to allocate additional funding to cover the overhead costs of charities and other not-for-profit organisations facing reduced income during the covid-19 outbreak.

The Government is aware of the financial challenges charities are facing during the coronavirus outbreak. This is why the £750m funding we have announced is specifically aimed at supporting those who need to continue providing their services as part of the national coronavirus response.

In addition, many charities and not-for-profit organisations will have access to cross-cutting support already announced. This includes the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which enables them to furlough staff. They can also defer VAT bills to the end of June, pay no business rates for their shops next year and can get a Business Interruption Loan. Many charity shops are already eligible for 80% charitable rate relief, and will benefit from the new enhanced retail rate relief at 100%.