Thank you for contacting me about support for charities and charity funded medical research.
During these incredibly difficult times the work of charities is more important than ever. I was reassured to learn that Ministers in BEIS and officials have met with the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and their members regularly in recent months, covering topics like the potential challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Moreover, I know that the Department of Health and Social Care is also working with the AMRC, as well as individual charities, to understand the impact of the pandemic on the sector, and how the Government and charities can work together to ensure that patients continue benefiting from charity funded research. Medical research charities are an integral part of the United Kingdom’s world-leading life sciences sector, and I support the work ongoing between the Government and AMRC.
The Chancellor has made available £750 million worth of funding for charities to enable them to continue providing essential services to those most in need. As part of this funding package, £22 million has been awarded to help lifesaving health charities.
I know what a worrying time this is for many charities just at the point when many are needed most. I encourage people to keep giving to charities where they can. Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
