HL Deb 29 March 2001 vol 624 cc57-8WA
Baroness Gould of Potternewton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to encourage and enable people aged 50 and over to volunteer or get involved in their communities. [HL1514]

The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)

The report of the advisory group of experts, drawn mainly from the voluntary sector and chaired by my noble friend Lady Greengross, 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, 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 Lady Greengross, as the company chairman, to develop an agreed way forward. A copy of the group's report has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.