[cma-l] £1.5 million Investment in Regional Voice

[CMA-L]

Today, the Government is announcing £1.5 million to support third
sector regional networks in delivering many of the Government's
policies and programmes at the regional level. The Office of the Third
Sector will provide £1million over two years, whilst Capacitybuilders
has identified a further £500,000 for 2009-10.

Regional networks help ensure that the voice of local third sector
organisations shapes regional policy and strategy, and provide a
channel of communication between regional bodies and frontline
community groups. The Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) networks have a
particular role in ensuring their communities' voices are heard,
tackling discrimination and building strong relationships between
communities.

Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector said,

"I am delighted to announce this continued support by the Government
for regional networks, this is in recognition of the important role
third sector organisations play in delivering and also influencing
Government policy. It is vital during a time of economic uncertainty
that we continue to support and develop third sector organisations.
Today's announcement is a great example of how committed the
Government is to supporting the sector."

Since 1999, the Government has supported third sector networks in each
region. Currently funding is delivered through the Regional
Infrastructure Programme, established in 2005 for three years. From
April 2009 Capacitybuilders will be delivering the fund. Over the
coming months they will work with the networks and other stakeholders
to shape the investment for the next year.

Channelling the new funding through Capacitybuilders will streamline
funding distributed to third sector support providers.
Capacitybuilders has an existing relationship with many of the
networks and a strong understanding of the environment in which they
work. Capacitybuilders will issue a further announcement later this
financial year to update on progress.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The Office of the Third Sector is part of the Cabinet Office that
deals with Government policy on charities, voluntary organisations and
social enterprise. More information can be found at
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov .uk/third_sector

For further details contact: Cabinet Office Press Office 22 Whitehall
LONDON SW1A 2WH Tel: 020 7276 0436

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk