§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he will bring forward to improve the relationship between the Government and the voluntary sector. [20178]
§ Mr. MichaelThe Government place high priority on developing and strengthening a partnership between Government and the voluntary sector. The main vehicle for this will be a Compact between government and the voluntary sector on which we are currently collaborating with the sector and which will set out the principles which should govern the relationship.
§ 28. Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many meetings he has had since 1 May with members of voluntary organisations to discuss assistance for the voluntary sector. [20186]
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§ Mr. MichaelSince 1 May, when responsibility for the voluntary sector and for volunteering was returned to the Home Office, there have been well over 100 meetings with members of voluntary organisations involving myself or my right hon. Friend. We have also assisted Ministers in other Departments, notably the Department for Education and Employment, with wide ranging consultation on policies which have a direct impact on the work of voluntary organisations.