§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to ensure that Christian and church-based social action initiatives are treated equitably in the allocation of Government funding. [5098]
§ Angela EagleI can assure the hon. Member that all applications for Government funding are treated in a fair and objective manner. The Government fully recognise the important role that all faith groups can make to addressing social needs. Codes of Good Practice under the Compact between Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector stress the potential of faith358W organisations to contribute to social inclusion and that this is distinct from the promotion of religion. The consultation document recently issued by my Department in partnership with the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions puts forward proposals aimed at achieving a more integrated and accessible approach to Government funding of all community groups. More generally, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister also recently announced a review of the ways the Government interface with faith communities.