HC Deb 02 March 1994 vol 238 cc712-3W
Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what suggestions have been made during his Department's internal review of Groundwork as to how links between Groundwork trusts and existing environmental charities could be improved with particular reference to funding arrangements.

Mr. Atkins

As part of the Department's internal review of its sponsorship of Groundwork, officials are currently carrying out consultations with a number of Groundwork's partners and customers, including environmental organisations. The present funding arrangements for Groundwork will be considered as part of the review.

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 15 February,Official Report, column 732, if he will provide a breakdown of spending of the grant-in-aid given to the Groundwork Foundation for each year from 1988–89 to 1992–93 using the same categories as he used in his previous answer.

Mr. Atkins

The table shows the breakdown of spending of the grant-in-aid allocated to the Groundwork Foundation for each year from 1988–89 to 1992–93.

community groups in undertaking projects and will assist them in putting together the most appropriate funding package. Groundwork trusts may also themselves provide funding to assist other environmental groups.

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what limits he sets on the spending of a Groundwork trust.

Mr. Atkins

None. The Department makes a contribution to the running costs of Groundwork trusts. Trusts may also apply for relevant grants for projects in competition with other organisations.

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he gives to Groundwork trusts to help them avoid adversely affecting existing environmental charities.

Mr. Atkins

The Groundwork Foundation is responsible for managing the network of Groundwork trusts. One of the criteria the Department advises the foundation to adopt in considering the case for a new trust is that it will complement the work of existing local organisations. Once established, trusts are encouraged to work in collaboration with such organisations.