Volunteers

EDM number 602 in 1996-97, proposed by Alan Howarth on 04/03/1997.

That this House acknowledges and values the work done by over four million volunteers who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults; notes the crucial importance of this work to the wellbeing of our society; is concerned that the Police Bill (Lords) will place a new financial burden on organisations which depend on volunteers to provide an invaluable service to their communities and reduce the burden to the public purse; notes that in accordance with recognised good practice these organisations will always reimburse expenses so as to ensure that a volunteer is never out of pocket; notes that the Government's Make a Difference initiative seeks to broaden volunteering opportunities to ensure that people who are young, unemployed or on low incomes are able to volunteer; and calls upon the Home Secretary to support vital voluntary work by waiving the fee for criminal record checks for volunteers.

This motion has been signed by a total of 104 MPs.