Conor McGinn MP Member of Parliament for St Helens North
I wrote an open letter to all the fantastic charity, voluntary and social enterprise organisations operating here in St Helens North, to both offer them my full support during this difficult moment, and to thank them for their invaluable efforts on the front line so far.
It came as myself and a collective of over 300 parliamentarians from seven political parties signed a letter to the Chancellor, urging him to take decisive action to financially protect the whole sector, which faces the prospect of serious hardship due to the growing impact of COVID-19.
Sally Yeoman, Chief Executive of Halton & St Helens VCA, told me:
“The charity sector nationally has spent 3 weeks asking for a financial package worth 1% of the cash the Government have given to businesses. We’re yet to get a response.
“They can’t furlough their workers or go home until it’s over and in many cases they are on the front-line supporting the most vulnerable.
“Local people need the services and support charities offer: charities urgently need govt support. #EveryDayCount.”
As your local MP, I want groups in our community to know that I will keep doing everything I can, day-in, day-out, to stand up and speak out for your sector at this difficult time.