§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the role of the voluntary services in tackling social exclusion; and if he will make a statement. [86347]
§ Mr. HainThe voluntary sector has a key role to play in helping to tackle social exclusion and will be a key partner of the Assembly in taking forward its social inclusion work. The voluntary sector successfully leads numerous initiatives and projects to counter social exclusion at local level and across Wales. The Wales Council for Voluntary action makes an important contribution to policy making through its membership of our Advisory Panel on social exclusion.
In March, my right hon. Friend announced additional funding of £1.5 million from the Social Inclusion Fund to support volunteering initiatives to encourage people to participate in their communities through joining in the work of local voluntary sector initiatives.
Following the transfer of functions this will be a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.