Last Friday, I organised my first North Oxfordshire Charity Lunch which brought many of our fantastic local charities and voluntary organisations together to meet, network and discuss shared challenges. It was really useful to hear from Cherwell District Council, The National Lottery Community Fund, Community First Oxfordshire and OCVA during the lunch who were all able to explain to the charities about some of the ways they can support them.
Charities and voluntary organisations are the lifeblood of our communities and do so much to ensure the most vulnerable feel safe, supported and reassured. Although the £100m committed by the Chancellor at the Spring Budget to help them deliver their services in what are really challenging times was very much welcomed, it is important that the Government continues to maintain support for the third sector. I will be working closely with my Ministerial colleagues to ensure this is the case.
