§ Mr. ColmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Government's plans to encourage and enable people aged 50 years and over to volunteer and become involved in their communities. [156756]
§ Mr. BoatengI have received the report of the advisory group of experts, drawn mainly from the voluntary sector and chaired by my noble Friend Baroness Greengross of Notting Hill, whom the Government asked last year to develop a plan to enable those aged 50 and over to become or continue to be involved with their local communities.
The report recommends the establishment of an independent Experience Corps Company to take forward action. The Government warmly welcome this proposal and will be providing funding of £19 million over the next three years to facilitate it. We will be working with Baroness Greengross, as the company Chairman, to develop an agreed way forward. A copy of the group's report has been placed in the Library.