The Minister announced the move at a ‘recession summit’ that he co-chaired with Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO). The summit brought together representatives from across the sector to discuss the challenges of maintaining their income while dealing with increased demand for services.
Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector, said:
"This summit has set a clear direction. We must work together to use valuable resources as effectively as possible to help people who are most in need. To that end I will develop an action plan of support for the third sector which I will publish early in the New Year.
"The evidence presented today shows that charities will face tough challenges in maintaining income while dealing with increased demand for services. At the same time there will be opportunities for growth and innovation. I am very encouraged by the way the third sector is preparing to face these challenges itself.
"It is clear that the Government can also play an important role to support the sector. We have discussed some very constructive and realistic proposals today which I will consider carefully.
"The third sector is better placed than in the past to deal with this economic climate partly because of the Government's investment and belief in the value of the sector. This commitment will continue."
The Government would welcome further views on what the priorities for support are and will consider any further proposals submitted before 26 December 2008.
