[{"topic":"Charities","id":"44223","proposer":"11707","edm":"91","session":"2012-13","title":"Robin Gibb Cbe","text":"That this House joins with family and friends from around the world in celebrating the life and mourning the death of Robin Gibb, who died of cancer aged 62, for his work and dedication to the music industry as a writer, composer and performer, both as a solo artist as well as the world famous music group The Bee Gees with his brothers Barry and Maurice, who were born on the Isle of Man and who were childhood residents of Keppel Road, Chorlton, Manchester; commends his untiring commitment to making the world a better place by working withmany charities including Against Breast Cancer, Variety Club, The Royal British Legion, Comic Relief and the Bomber Command Memorial Appeal; acknowledges his Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music received in May 2004 from the University of Manchester; and wishes that he may rest in peace knowing that the world has benefitted greatly from his dedication and talent.","date":"2012-05-21","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"44234","proposer":"24966","edm":"102","session":"2012-13","title":"More Music Charity Morecambe","text":"That this House notes the More Music charity in Morecambe was established in 1993; further notes that the charity has used music as a means to develop people of all ages from babies to pensioners; believes that for many of these people this is the first time they have had access to the facilities they need to express themselves through music; further believes that this creative process brings people together and enables many to develop the skills needed to enter or re-enter the world of work; and congratulates Peter Moser, Kathryn MacDonald and the whole team on the work they do for the community in Morecambe which changes people's lives.","date":"2012-05-21","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"44211","proposer":"10222","edm":"79","session":"2012-13","title":"Henry Spink Foundation","text":"That this House commends the Henry Spink Foundation on its work for severely disabled children, adults and their carers in respect of the quality of and access to services; supports its call to reform local authority regulations so that care assessments and support packages for children become portable from one local authority to another; believes that such a pragmatic and cost neutral reformwould measurably improve the lives of thousands of disabled children, adults and their carers; and calls on the Government to ensure that portablilty of care assessments is incorporated in the forthcoming White Paper on Social Care and that the necessary regulations are introduced as soon as possible.","date":"2012-05-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"44129","proposer":"11672","edm":"3021","session":"2010-12","title":"Jane Tomlinson Appeal And Anniversary Challenge","text":"That this House applauds the contribution of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, established by the late Jane Tomlinson CBE and now continued by Jane's husband Mike and family, which continues to raise millions of pounds for children's and cancer charities including Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and children's hospices, Martin House and Hannah House; congratulates all those who took part in the Jane Tomlinson Appeal 10th Anniversary Challenge, taking on an eight day challenge in which they completed the Paris Marathon and a six day cycle route to London ahead of the London Marathon via Hull and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal's home turf of Yorkshire, raising many thousands of pounds for the Appeal and associated charities; notes that the challenge marked 10 years since Jane became the first terminally-ill breast cancer patient to complete the London Marathon; appreciates the dedication and innovation of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and the many other charities working to fund and promote research into cancer and cancer treatments, often in memory of loved ones lost to the diseaseor inrecognition of having battled and survived cancer; and supports and encourages all efforts to help tackle this disease through charitable means.","date":"2012-04-30","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"44114","proposer":"24784","edm":"3006","session":"2010-12","title":"Harlow Foodbank And Dods 2012 Local Charity Of The Year","text":"That this House celebrates the nomination of Harlow Foodbank for the 2012 DODS Local Charity of the Year Award, and urges every hon. Member to vote for them; commends Harlow Foodbank for supporting individuals and families in crisis by providing free emergency food; further notes that since 2009 it has provided food to over 5,000 people; welcomes what the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has done to allow jobcentres to give this foodbank vouchers; and recognises the work of Harlow Foodbank in really making a difference to people's lives in Harlow, as a lifeline to people who are going through a period of difficulty or crisis in their life.","date":"2012-04-24","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"44071","proposer":"13864","edm":"2963","session":"2010-12","title":"Charities","text":"That this House notes the benefits that tax relief for charities brings with special reference to gift aid; recognises the great work that charities carry out in helping people across the UK; understands that any reduction of the amount that can be given to a charity with tax relief would be detrimental to charities across the UK; and calls for there to be no adverse change to the arrangements as they currently stand allowing people to make donations as they see fit and are able.","date":"2012-04-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"44053","proposer":"24794","edm":"2945","session":"2010-12","title":"Edinburgh Business Awards","text":"That this House congratulates Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce on the success of the first Edinburgh Business Awards; welcomes the Awards as a way of recognising some of the city's most promising businesses and the work they do; congratulates the Chamber of Commerce on using the Awards to raise money for local charities; looks forward to the Awards building on the success of the first event; commends Edinburgh Airport on winning the Employer of the Year award 2012; and further welcomes the role Edinburgh Airport plays in the local economy and community through its contribution of more than 83,000 to local charities as well as achieving a turnover of 110 million in 2010-11.","date":"2012-04-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"44047","proposer":"24966","edm":"2940","session":"2010-12","title":"John Bishop And Sports Relief","text":"That this House notes that comedian John Bishop cycled from Paris to Calais, rowed from Calais to Dover and then ran from Dover to London; further notes that John Bishop has raised millions of pounds for the Sports Relief charity; believes that this selfless act is an inspiration to the whole nation; and thanks him on behalf of the whole country.","date":"2012-03-27","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"43698","proposer":"24784","edm":"2602","session":"2010-12","title":"Kelloggs And Foodbank","text":"That this House congratulates Kelloggs for its support of foodbanks around the UK; notes that in 2011, Kelloggs supported foodbanks across the UK with 25 tonnes of food, equating to approximately 800,000 breakfasts and cereal bars; celebrates the commitment from Kelloggs to double this amount in 2012; gives particular thanks to Kelloggs for the donation of 500 and cereal boxes to Harlow foodbank and further notes Kelloggs' commitment to continue a close relationship; and welcomes Kelloggs' support for the Big Society and particularly their support for organisations like foodbanks who do so much for those in need.","date":"2012-01-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"43669","proposer":"24966","edm":"2575","session":"2010-12","title":"Unique Kids","text":"That this House notes that Unique Kids was established as a charity in 2009; further notes that it provides play and social activities for children with disabilities through an after school and holiday club; believes that this service helps with the development of disabled children whilst enabling the parents to continue in employment; further believes the 130 children who enjoy this service have their lives enriched by it and would have little alternative without it; and thanks, on behalf of the whole community, Jane Halpin and Denise Armer for establishing this vitally important service.","date":"2012-01-10","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"43623","proposer":"24858","edm":"2528","session":"2010-12","title":"Independent Commission For The Location Of Victims' Remains","text":"That this House recognises the work of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) and the closure it brings to many families whose relatives have been recovered; further recognises that many families are still waiting to hear about their own missing relatives; welcomes the recent comments from the Minister of State for Northern Ireland and Alan Shatter TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence; urges the British and Irish governments to continue their strong support of the ICLVR; and further urges Sinn Fein and any other organisation with any knowledge of the remaining missing people to share this knowledge with the commissioners.","date":"2011-12-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"43505","proposer":"24910","edm":"2415","session":"2010-12","title":"Brighton-Based Charity Rhythmix And The X Factor","text":"That this House notes that Rhythmix is the name of a small Brighton-based charity providing music-making opportunities to vulnerable youngsters; welcomes the decision by the entertainment company Simco to drop its use of the name Rhythmix for a group of contestants on The X Factor television programme; further notes with concern that, despite publicly discontinuing the use of the name Rhythmix, Simco has yet to cancel its application to legally trademark it; further notes that the company's legal representatives have ignored repeated requests by the charity's lawyers to desist from actions that would result in it acquiring the trademark Rhythmix, causing the charity to incur legal fees which it can ill afford; and therefore calls on Simon Cowell and Simco to drop the bid to acquire the name Rhythmix and as a gesture of goodwill to reimburse the 8,000 in legal fees that the company's actions have caused this small charity to incur to date and any further fees.","date":"2011-11-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"43449","proposer":"11923","edm":"2360","session":"2010-12","title":"Companionship At Christmas","text":"That this House commends the remarkable work of the Companionship at Christmas campaign, run by the charity Abbeyfield, which aims to improve the quality of life for older people by combating the acute loneliness felt by many over the Christmas period; recognises the importance of such an initiative given the growing number of older people; congratulates Abbeyfield for responding to this need in practical and creative ways by offering free lunches and overnight stays to older people in the area; acknowledges the value of inviting individuals from local communities to support, befriend and care for older people who may be far from their loved ones and suffering from loneliness; and urges all hon. Members to support and promote the campaign in their own constituencies.","date":"2011-11-02","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"43431","proposer":"11707","edm":"2343","session":"2010-12","title":"Movember","text":"That this House welcomes the start of Movember on 1 November, the aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men; notes that 11.7 million was raised in 2010 by thousands of men growing a moustache throughout the month of November; hopes that 2011 will be even more successful, that more men will participate and that it will raise even more money to support the number one and number two male specific cancers: prostate and testicular cancer; and further notes that the funds raised are directed to programmes run directly by Movember and their men's health partners, The Prostate Cancer Charity and the Institute of Cancer Research, to support a broad range of innovative, world-class programmes in the areas of awareness and education, survivorship and research.","date":"2011-11-01","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"43439","proposer":"24794","edm":"2351","session":"2010-12","title":"The Prostate Cancer Charity And Movember","text":"That this House recognises that prostate cancer is the most common cancer amongst men with 37,000 men diagnosed each year and one man dying every hour from the disease in the UK; acknowledges that nine out of 10 men diagnosed with prostate cancer are over 60 years old and that those with a family history and men from an African Caribbean background are at higher risk; supports the right of every man over 50, and younger men at higher risk, to have access to balanced information about the prostate-specific antigen test which can help diagnose prostate cancer; welcomes the work carried out by the international charity Movember, where men are encouraged to grow moustaches to raise awareness and funds, with the money raised by Movember in the UK supporting the programmes of The Prostate Cancer Charity to support people affected by the disease and research into the causes, prevention and treatment of prostate cancer as well as the Institute for Cancer Research's programmes around testicular cancer; and calls on the Government to support Movember in raising vital awareness and funds for this terrible disease and to better last year's 112,000 participants and the 11.7 million raised in the UK.","date":"2011-11-01","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"43425","proposer":"10256","edm":"2337","session":"2010-12","title":"Sir Jimmy Savile Obe","text":"That this House mourns the death of Sir Jimmy Savile OBE who has died two days before his 85th birthday; recognises his enormous contribution to charitable giving, raising more than 40 million for charities during his lifetime; appreciates his essential Yorkshire character; remembers the smiles brought to the faces of children who appeared on Jim'll Fix It; enjoyed his choice of music during his time as a disc jockey; and sends its condolences and sympathy to family and friends in Leeds, Yorkshire, the UK and throughout the world.","date":"2011-10-31","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"43354","proposer":"11427","edm":"2271","session":"2010-12","title":"Muscular Dystrophy Campaign And The Charity Times Campaigning Team Of The Year Award 2011","text":"That this House congratulates the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign on winning the Campaigning Team of the Year at the Charity Times Awards 2011; notes that the judges praised an outstanding campaign with outstanding results; recognises the tireless dedication and commitment of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's supporters in campaigning for service improvements; further notes the contribution of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Muscular Dystrophy in working with the NHS and campaigners to improve services; welcomes the national neuromuscular work plan which is currently being undertaken by the Departmentof Health; and hopes that there will be further service improvements for people with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions across the UK.","date":"2011-10-18","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"43342","proposer":"11199","edm":"2259","session":"2010-12","title":"Retired Greyhounds","text":"That this House recognises and applauds the work of the Retired Greyhound Trust, its branches and volunteers to find loving homes for greyhounds once their racing days are over; supports its work to promote greyhounds as pets; notes that the charity has now found more that 50,000 homes for greyhounds since it was established in 1976 and is now consistently rehoming more than 4,000 greyhounds a year; and acknowledges the vitalfinancial contribution to its work made by a large number of supporters and donors including many bookmakers via the British Greyhound Racing Fund.","date":"2011-10-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"43303","proposer":"10128","edm":"2224","session":"2010-12","title":"Combat Stress Campaign","text":"That this House congratulates Combat Stress onits ongoing work to support ex-service personnel throughits organisations in Scotland and England and on marking World Mental Health Day 2011 with the launch of its campaign to overcome the stigma of mental health disorders that prevent many armed forces veterans from seeking help; notes with concern the recent survey carried out by Combat Stress which found that 81 per cent. of veterans who responded felt ashamed or embarrassed about their mental ill health; and urges the Government to respond positively to the Combat Stress campaign.","date":"2011-10-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"43200","proposer":"11309","edm":"2126","session":"2010-12","title":"Blind Dave Heeley's Top2toe Challenge","text":"That this House sends its best wishes to West Bromwich marathon runner Blind Dave Heeley as he starts out on his latest endurance challenge to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support on its centenary anniversary; notes that Dave Heeley will cover 1,000 miles, including 10 marathons and 750 miles of tandem cycling, in just 10 days from John O'Groats to Land's End; recognises that Dave Heeley was the first blind person in the world to complete seven marathons in seven days on seven continents raising 375,000 for Guide Dogs for the Blind in 2008; and congratulates Dave Heeley on acting as a truly inspirational role model for so many people in Sandwell and the wider community.","date":"2011-08-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"43142","proposer":"10186","edm":"2071","session":"2010-12","title":"Liverpool Charity Commission","text":"That this House notes with concern the threat of redundancies at the Charity Commission offices in Liverpool which could mean as many as 78 staff losing their jobs; further notes that by targeting lower grades in Liverpool, the proposals will lead to larger numbers of staff losing their jobs; and urges the Charity Commission's Chief Executive to take into account representations from trade unions and hon. Members during the recent consultation.","date":"2011-07-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"43092","proposer":"24872","edm":"2021","session":"2010-12","title":"Bethany Christian Trust And Effectiveness Award","text":"<p>That this House congratulates Bethany Christian Trust, a homeless charity based in Edinburgh that engages volunteers to help people successfully make the transition from homelessness to independent living, on receiving one of the most prestigious accolades awarded at the UK charity sector Charity Awards 2011; acknowledges that Bethany was the only Scottish charity to win an award; commends Bethany's Passing the Baton initiative that seeks to address the issue of repeat admissions to its hostel accommodation as individuals return after failing to sustain their new tenancy, trains volunteers to help individuals build their own social networks and supports them to settle into their new homes and integrate into their local community; pays tribute to Bethany in its receipt of the Effectiveness award; and thanks all its staff, volunteers and supporters for their unstinting commitment in achieving this award.<\/p>","date":"2011-07-04","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"42982","proposer":"11923","edm":"1914","session":"2010-12","title":"Winter Fell-Top Assessment Service","text":"That this House recognises the vital role of the Winter Fell-top Assessment Service in collecting data from the peak of Helvellyn every day in the winter season for the past 35 years; notes the invaluable information the Winter Fell-top Assessment Service provides for the 9.1 million British ramblers as well as the half a million annual callers to Weatherline and other people accessing data online; is concerned by the unfortunate and precarious future of this essential service due to current financial pressures on the Lake District National Park Authority that currently funds the fell-top assessment service at a cost of 25,000 per annum; and urges the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to provide a small amount of targeted financial support to the National Park Authority to ensure the survival of this critical service.","date":"2011-06-14","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"42970","proposer":"11798","edm":"1902","session":"2010-12","title":"Cheque Payments And Charitable Organisations","text":"That this House notes with concern that the UK Payments Council plans to phase out cheques by 2018 despite protest from consumer groups; further notes that more than 620 million payments were made by cheque last year; believes many small charitable and community organisations rely on cheque payments for the payment of membership fees and when organising small events; is concerned that the phasing out of cheques may affect such organisations disproportionately; calls on the Government to investigate alternative payment schemes for small charitable and community organisations; and urges the UK Payments Council to reconsiderits proposal to abolish the cheque.","date":"2011-06-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"42953","proposer":"24735","edm":"1886","session":"2010-12","title":"Co-Operative Education Trust Scotland","text":"That this House commends the excellent work undertaken by the educational charity the Co-operative Education Trust Scotland to increase understanding of co-operative business models and democratic social enterprise among young people in schools and colleges throughout Scotland; believes that its aim of promoting the co-operative approach to enterprise builds on Scotland's long history of co-operation, including the claim of the Fenwick Weavers' Society in East Ayrshire to being the first co-operative enterprise in the world in 1761; and supports the important contribution that the Co-operative Education Trust Scotland makes to the wider co-operative movement in Scotland, and to the values and principles that it promotes, noting that Co-operatives Fortnight takes place between 25 June and 9 July 2011.","date":"2011-06-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"42781","proposer":"24872","edm":"1725","session":"2010-12","title":"Yamaa Trust And Andrew Murray","text":"That this House congratulates Andrew Murray of Scotland2Sahara.com on his successful completion of a 2,659 mile run from John O'Groats to the Sahara Desert to raise money for the Yamaa Trust that aims to ameliorate poverty in Mongolia;notes the 69,000 already raised; and acknowledges that the fundraising efforts of Andrew Murray are not only benefiting the people of Mongolia but are encouraging local people, both young and old, to exercise and get fit.","date":"2011-04-05","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"42732","proposer":"10133","edm":"1677","session":"2010-12","title":"Jewish National Fund","text":"That this House welcomes the Stop the Jewish National Fund (JNF) Campaign launched on 30 March 2011 by the Palestinian Boycott National Committee, the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign and others to inform the public about the JNF - Karen Kayemet L'Yisrael, its ongoing illegal expropriation of Palestinian land, concealing of destroyed Palestinian villages beneath parks and forests, and prevention of refugees from returning to their homes; notes that the JNF's constitution is explicitly discriminatory by stating that land and property will never be rented, leased or sold to non-Jews; further notes that the UN rejected the JNF USA's application for consultative status with the Economic and Social Council on the ground that it violates the principles of the UN Charter on Human Rights; regrets that the Prime Ministeris a JNF honorary patron; and believes that there is just cause to consider revocation of the JNF's charitable status in the UK.","date":"2011-03-30","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"42666","proposer":"24966","edm":"1617","session":"2010-12","title":"Comic Relief In The North West","text":"That this House notes that the BBC's annual Comic Relief event raised over 59 million for charities in 2009; further notes thata significant proportion of this was raised in the North West; believes that North West Tonight and the BBC local radio stations including Radio Lancashire are to be commended for their efforts; further believes that this event is particularly poignant to the people of Morecambe and Lunesdale because of their entertainment and comic history, including the work of Eric Morecambe and Dame Thora Hird; thanks the BBC staff for being so generous with their time; and encourages everyone to donate money to this important cause.","date":"2011-03-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"42561","proposer":"11672","edm":"1522","session":"2010-12","title":"Healthcare Charities And Value Added Tax Recovery","text":"That this House supports Sue Ryder's campaign on value added tax (VAT) recovery for charities; notes that if a Sue Ryder hospice was run by the NHS it would be able to recover as much as 57 per cent. of the VAT incurred on non-business supplies; recognises their concerns about the impact of the Big Society and NHS reform policies on charities delivering healthcare services; further notes that these policy initiatives encourage the transfer of services from the NHS to the charity sector; further notes that the Treasury will raise funds through this transfer of services as charities are not entitled to the same VAT recovery on non-business supplies as the NHS; and calls on the Government to amend section 41(7) of the Value Added Tax Act 1994 to put charities and the NHS on an equal footing in relation to VAT recovery.","date":"2011-03-02","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"42349","proposer":"11309","edm":"1330","session":"2010-12","title":"Funding For Booktrust","text":"That this House notes with concern the Department for Education's decision of December 2010 to cut all Government funding for Booktrust; welcomes the Secretary of State for Education's recent decision to review the cut to Booktrust's funding; applauds the national impact that Booktrust has had in encouraging positive attitudes to books, reading for pleasure and family reading, by providing book gifts for children, resources and targeted campaigns; and calls on the Government to safeguard the future funding of Booktrust's Bookstart, Booktime and Booked Up reading programmes beyond March 2011.","date":"2011-01-24","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"42276","proposer":"24852","edm":"1261","session":"2010-12","title":"Charities And Irrecoverable VAT","text":"That this House is concerned about the impact on charities of the recent rise in the rate of value added tax (VAT) to 20 per cent.; notes the report of the Charity Tax Group (June 2010) which found that the charity sector as a whole will lose a further 140 million in addition to the 1 billion already lost in irrecoverable VAT; commends the Sue Ryder campaign A Happy New Year? which highlights the loss of 1 million in irrecoverable VAT for that charity and aims to hold the Government to its commitment to cut red tape for charities; acknowledges Sue Ryder's estimate that the lost 1 million a year couldfund a 16-bed hospice for six months, provide 50,000 hours of in-patient care or 25,000 hours of specialist palliative care in the home, employ 30 nurses or 60 carers; further notes that limited companies, local authorities and the NHS are afforded VAT benefits that are not available for Sue Ryder's charitable hospices, care centres and homecare services; urges the Government to commit to minimising bureaucracy and costs for charities delivering public services; and calls on the Government to make legislative changes that will enable charities to access VAT benefits.","date":"2011-01-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"42283","proposer":"10141","edm":"1268","session":"2010-12","title":"Value Added Tax Recovery For Charities","text":"That this House deplores the Government's value added tax(VAT) increases that will have a devastating effect on all charities; notes that although limited companies are able to reclaim VAT, charities such as hospices and other registered charities are not afforded the same benefit;and calls on the Coalition Government to rectify this injustice urgently by cutting red tape and allowing charities to continue their valuable work on a level playing field with other organisations who are able to recover VAT.","date":"2011-01-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"42170","proposer":"24911","edm":"1158","session":"2010-12","title":"Missing People's Missing Rights Campaign","text":"That this House welcomes the Missing People's Missing Rights Campaign, which seeks to improve the support available for families of missing people; regrets that 330,000 missing person reports were made across the UK last year with over 20,000 disappearances estimated to have lasted longer than one week; is concerned that if a person's house is burgled they are automatically entitled to a range of resources, information and assistance, whereas if a person's child goes missing they may get nothing; and calls on the Government to ensure that families of missing people have access to specialist support that can address the unique legal, financial and emotional challenges a family will face when a loved one disappears and to review the need for legislative change to better protect those affected.","date":"2010-12-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"42115","proposer":"11971","edm":"1111","session":"2010-12","title":"Charity Christmas Single By Aberlour Choir And Gamu Nhengu","text":"That this House applauds the charitable work undertaken by Gamu Nhengu on behalf of Scottish Children's Charity, Aberlour Child Care Trust, which provides services to vulnerable children across Scotland and their families; notes the forthcoming release of Where Will You Sleep This Christmas? a single featuring Gamu, by the charity; further notes that the proceeds from the sale of this record will support the work of Aberlour; is dismayed that despite this act of charity on her part, Gamu has been prohibited from promoting the single by her contractual obligations to the television show The X Factor on the basis that the Aberlour single is in direct competition with the show's Christmas number one bid; and therefore calls on hon. Members to support and promote the success of this record when it becomes available for download on 13 December 2010.","date":"2010-11-30","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41986","proposer":"10013","edm":"997","session":"2010-12","title":"Children Of Peace Charity","text":"That this House supports the non-partisan, multi-faith UK charity Children of Peace in its ground-breaking work to protect Israeli and Palestinian children aged four to 17 in Gaza, Israel and the West Bank; notes that it is dedicated to peace-building through its unique Coalition of Peace and is building trust, friendship, reconciliation between the children and their communities, regardless of culture, faith, gender or heritage, is conducting vital connections between community-based organisations and non-governmental organisations in Israel and Palestine through its arts, education, health and sports programmes and projects and has united Christians, Jews andMuslims across the world in support of its conflict resolution position; and applauds Children of Peace for its refusal to take sides and its singular achievement in helping to advance the cause of peace, tolerance and greater understanding in the region.","date":"2010-11-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41987","proposer":"10754","edm":"998","session":"2010-12","title":"Beatbullying The Big March Campaign","text":"That this House recognises that millions of young people experience bullying every year; notes that over three quarters of a million schools, parents, children, organisations and charities have joined The Big March, a campaign organised by the charity Beatbullying; is concerned that current legislation does not address fully the problem of bullying or cyber bullying; is further concerned that decisions on anti-bullying policy could be made without full evidence to guide them; and urges the Government to commission a cross-departmental review into how schools and communities can reduce incidents of bullying and protect children from violence and harassment.","date":"2010-11-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41983","proposer":"10186","edm":"994","session":"2010-12","title":"Charity Commission And The Comprehensive Spending Review","text":"That this House is concerned by the impact of the 27 per cent. budget cut to the Charity Commission announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR); notes that the Commission shed 63 full-time equivalent jobs before the CSR and that the PCS union fears that a further 140 full-time equivalent jobs will also be lost; recognises the critically important role of the Commission in regulating and advising charities; further notes that fraud in the charitable sector is estimated to be 100 million annually; is deeply concerned at the impact further reductions in staff and resources will have on the Commission's ability to rigorously investigate allegations of fraud, particularly allegations of charitable funds being diverted to organisations with links to terrorism; is alarmed at cuts to the Commision at a time whenthe role of charities will be hugely expanded; and calls upon the Government to review the Charity Commission's budget settlement.","date":"2010-11-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41825","proposer":"24794","edm":"846","session":"2010-12","title":"Abf Soldiers Charity And Challenge 66","text":"That this House applauds the attempts by Mr Andy McMenemy to run 66 marathons in 66 days in each of the 66 official cities of the UK; notes the support he has given to the ABF Soldiers Charity; recognises the problems of readjustment and the difficulties UK forces face when returning home from the front line; recognises also the important work that the ABF Soldiers Charity continues to do in providing assistance to those returned forces; and congratulates the ABF Soldiers Charity on its 66 years of excellent work.","date":"2010-10-18","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41784","proposer":"24852","edm":"818","session":"2010-12","title":"Missing Persons Bureau","text":"That this House notes with concern reports that the National Police Improvement Agency (NPIA) Missing Persons Bureau faces closure or restructuring; recognises the continuing need for an integrated service for missing adults and children; acknowledges the important role of the Bureau in linking missing persons cases with other crimes including murder; is particularly concerned about the impact on vulnerable groups such as 16 to 25 year olds; urges the Government to reconsider any reduction in service; and calls for action on the recommendation of the Missing Persons Task Force.","date":"2010-10-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41785","proposer":"10431","edm":"819","session":"2010-12","title":"Trustees' Week","text":"That this House welcomes the first annual Trustees' Week between 25th and 31st October as an opportunity to recruit new trustees and to celebrate the work of around 800,000 charity trustees in England and Wales and the vital contribution they make to civil society; notes that around half of charity boards currently have a vacancy; encourages everyone to think about the difference they could make to the community by becoming a trustee and to look at the Trustees' Week website for more information; and thanks the Charity Commission, the Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Charity Trustee Network and Getting on Board for having had the foresight to establish Trustees' Week as an annual event.","date":"2010-10-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41722","proposer":"10122","edm":"762","session":"2010-12","title":"Missing People","text":"That this House regrets that there is no right to support for families of people who have gone missing; notes that many families face years of anguish and suffering as well as practical, financial and legal challenges; is therefore disappointed that all financial support from Government departments for the charity Missing People is being withdrawn from April 2011; further notes the invaluable support the charity provides to families of missing people, which complements the work of police forces across the UK and Missing Persons' Bureau; and, in view of the lack of local alternatives, calls on Government departments to reconsider decisions to withdraw funding from Missing People, which last year took more than 114,000 calls for help.","date":"2010-09-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41649","proposer":"24871","edm":"689","session":"2010-12","title":"House To House Charity Collectors","text":"That this House condemns the activities of fraudulent charity clothing bag collectors who abuse the goodwill of those who donate clothes for good causes; recognises that this organised crime is becoming a nationwide issue; expresses concern that these activities undermine the valuable work of genuine charities, depriving them of millions of pounds worth of donations per annum; and calls on the Government to ensure that local police authorities tackle the criminal gangs responsible and facilitate the strict enforcement of the House to House Collection Act1939 and punishment ofthose found in breach of the Act.","date":"2010-09-07","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41605","proposer":"10121","edm":"648","session":"2010-12","title":"Music For Youth Charity","text":"That this House congratulates Music for Youth on its 40-year anniversary; praises the educational charity for the opportunities it has offered to 2.3 million young people in that time through its regional festivals, the annual National Festival in Birmingham and the Schools Prom at London's Royal Albert Hall; welcomes its plans to expand its already impressive annual reach of 100,000 performers and audience members; and wishes the charity many more years of success.","date":"2010-07-27","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41564","proposer":"11427","edm":"607","session":"2010-12","title":"Show Racism The Red Card Charity","text":"That this House recognises the excellent work of the anti-racist charityShow Racism the Red Card which was established in 1996 with the aim of harnessing the high-profile status of professional footballers as anti-racist role models to combat racism through education; notes that hundreds of top footballers and managers take part in its activities which have made racism the exception rather than the rule at football matches in contrast with experience abroad; further notes that the campaign employs 12 former professional footballers throughout England, Scotland and Wales to coach young people using football as a way of engaging young people with anti-racist messages; welcomes the possibility that the campaign could be selected as the Football Association Charity of the year for 2011 and has so far won the support for this of Gordon Taylor and the Professional Footballers' Association, as well as former England Manager Graham Taylor; and wishes them the best in their endeavours.","date":"2010-07-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41367","proposer":"11672","edm":"424","session":"2010-12","title":"Cardigan Centre In Leeds","text":"That this House encourages the efforts of the Cardigan Centre in Leeds to bring the community together by knitting patches in an attempt to break the world record for the largest cardigan ever constructed; commends the Cardigan Centre for its 20 years as a community staple facilitating recreation, social welfare, economic regeneration and education; recognises the wealth of benefits the registered charity has brought to all members of the Leeds community, including youth, the elderly and small businesses and the benefits similar centres bring to their communities; and wishes the Cardigan Centre many more years providing its valued services.","date":"2010-07-07","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41318","proposer":"24818","edm":"378","session":"2010-12","title":"Refugee And Migrant Justice","text":"That this House notes with concern that the entering into administration of refugee and migrant justice has left many of the charity's vulnerable clients without adequate legal representation; and calls on the Secretary of State for the Home Department not to reject any asylum applications or conduct any deportations of such individuals until alternative representation has been secured.","date":"2010-07-01","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41277","proposer":"11534","edm":"337","session":"2010-12","title":"UK Youth Charity","text":"That this House recognises the need to be positive about youth, as the vast majority of young people make a positive contribution to society; notes the work of the charity UK Youth in supporting 750,000 young people to raise their aspirations, realise their potential and recognise their achievements; further recognises the value of non-formal learning in helping young people achieve their goals; further notes the importance of offering an alternative curriculum through non-formal learning to young people who struggle with mainstream education; calls for greater recognition of the achievements of such young people who are making progress within an alternative curriculum; and congratulates UK Youth for its work in this sector as it celebrates its centenary in 2010.","date":"2010-06-29","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41256","proposer":"10170","edm":"321","session":"2010-12","title":"Sea Sunday 11 July 2010","text":"That this House recalls Britain's proud maritime heritage and notes that 90 per cent. of world trade travels by sea, 95 per cent. of United Kingdom imports and exports travel by sea and 146,000 merchant ships arrive in British ports annually, contributing to the nearly \u00a340 billion annual turnover of the British maritime sector; acknowledges that the inherent problems for many thousands of merchant seafarers of dangerous conditions, low pay, poor morale, sickness and separation from family are sometimes exacerbated by exploitative employers sailing under flags of convenience; congratulates the national charity, the Apostleship of the Sea, on the anniversary of its creation some 90 years ago and on its work for the welfare and rights of all seafarers who visit British shores through 13 port chaplains and over 120 volunteers in 57 ports and berthing facilities across Great Britain; extends its best wishes for the organisation's future; hopes that the Apostleship of the Sea and its ecumenical partners, the Mission for Seafarers and the Sailors' Society, which provide generously for the welfare of seafarers, benefit from the greater awareness of their mission stimulated by Sea Sunday on 11 July 2010; and urges all businesses which transport goods by sea to be responsible corporate citizens during this International Maritime Organisation Year of the Seafarer and to encourage their shipping providers to adopt minimum levels of care for their seafaring employees as advised by the Maritime Labour Convention 2006.","date":"2010-06-24","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41237","proposer":"10715","edm":"303","session":"2010-12","title":"Cancer Research UK Commit To Beat Cancer Campaign","text":"That this House applauds the international reputation of Cancer Research UK in its work to understand, prevent, detect and treat cancer; congratulates the charity for being at the heart of the tremendous progress made on cancer survival rates over the last 30 years; acknowledges that the money Cancer Research UK spends on research each year (\u00a3355 million in 2008-09) is funded entirely by the public; recognises that 90 per cent. of the population lives no more than 30 miles from a Cancer Research UK research centre; notes that UK cancer outcomes are not yet as good as those in the best performing European countries; commends the Cancer Research UK Commit To Beat Cancer campaign to make the UK's cancer outcomes among the best in Europe in the next 10 years; further applauds the five core elements of the campaign to prevent more cancers, detect cancer earlier, provide world-class cancer treatments, tackle cancer inequalities and protect the UK's research base; and further acknowledges that the support of the new Coalition Government and both Houses is needed for further progress on cancer.","date":"2010-06-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41223","proposer":"24852","edm":"291","session":"2010-12","title":"Memorial Trust Of Noor Inayat Khan","text":"That this House congratulates the Memorial Trust of Noor Inayat Khan set up to honour and to recognise her extraordinary bravery; notes that Noor Inayat Khan was posthumously awarded the George Cross as one of only three women in Winston Churchill's Special Operations Executive and was also awarded the Croix de Guerre by France; recalls that under the code name Madeleine she was the first female radio operator in occupied France in 1943; further notes that despite being tortured she remained silent and her last word was Libert\u00e9; further notes that she was executed in Dachau at the age of 30; calls on hon. and right hon. Members to support the Memorial Trust in its request for a bust of her in Gordon Square; and requests that the University of London establishes the first memorial to a British Asian woman.","date":"2010-06-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41225","proposer":"10884","edm":"293","session":"2010-12","title":"St Mungo's Action Week","text":"That this House supports the aims of St Mungo's Action Week 2010 from 20 to 27 June, which focuses on the dedicated support that homeless people need to make the journey back to work; recognises that the homeless, socially excluded and long-term unemployed require integrated, personalised and specialist support to get back into employment; and calls on the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department of Health to work together to improve the support provided to this vulnerable group.","date":"2010-06-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41114","proposer":"24910","edm":"191","session":"2010-12","title":"Refugee And Migrant Justice Charity","text":"That this House notes that the legal advice charity Refugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ) is in danger of closing because it is facing a cash crisis because a large proportion of legal aid work is now paid upon completion, meaning payment can take anything up to two years; further notes that as a result the charity has a \u00a31.8 million backlog of payments; further notes that senior legal and human rights experts, faith leaders including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Citizens Advice, Liberty and Mind all back the campaign to rescue the legal advice charity from the cash crisis that is not of their own making; is aware that RMJ is not asking for new money but simply prompt payment of legal aid by the Legal Services Commission, or failing that, interest-free loans by the Government to cover the gap; and calls for the legal aid payment system to be changed to ensure charities are paid promptly for their work.","date":"2010-06-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41078","proposer":"24784","edm":"159","session":"2010-12","title":"Jobcentre Plus And Foodbank","text":"That this House congratulates foodbanks across the UK, in particular the hardworking volunteers of the Harlow foodbank; regrets the bureaucratic regulations brought in under the previous Government, which prevent Jobcentre Plus staff referring people directly to charities such as foodbanks; sympathises with the many thousands of people entitled to and waiting for benefits who have not been able to be referred directly to a foodbank by Jobcentre Plus, despite the fact that many struggle to feed themselves and their families; acknowledges that the system is broken and that delays in receiving benefits can cause serious problems for families on the breadline, if referral to charities such as foodbanks is not allowed; notes that according to figures provided by the Department for Work and Pensions 37,046 people waited 17 days or more for their jobseeker's allowance in January 2010 and 20,068 waited 22 days or more; further notes that these figures exclude the vast number of people whose benefits are delayed while being re-assessed; welcomes the Government's planned renewal and reform to the welfare system; and calls on the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to consider allowing Jobcentre Plus staff to issue foodbank vouchers so that local families in crisis get the support they need immediately rather than being referred to another agency thereby delaying the process.","date":"2010-06-07","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"41046","proposer":"10258","edm":"130","session":"2010-12","title":"Royal Navy And Royal Marines Children's Fund","text":"That this House strongly supports the work of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children's Fund, the only charity dedicated to helping the children of serving, and ex-serving naval services personnel; notes that the charity has been running for over 100 years and helps children deal with the long-term psychological, emotional, physical, financial and social impacts that can result from having a parent work in the naval services; commends the charity for helping over 1,500 children each year, especially when demand is increasing due to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; believes that the Government should encourage local authorities to provide greater assistance for the children and families left vulnerable by the effects of conflict; calls on Ministers to take into account the unique pressures and challenges being faced by the children of serving and ex-serving personnel when formulating policies; and urges support for the excellent work of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children's Fund.","date":"2010-06-02","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40953","proposer":"10521","edm":"39","session":"2010-12","title":"The Children's Society","text":"That this House is deeply concerned at the content of posters issued by The Children's Society and displayed on church premises which state `A vital project that is helping feed, clothe and assist in finding destitute children somewhere safe to live will close on 30th September due to a lack of funds; when it does, hundreds of poverty-stricken families will be left to fend for themselves'; and calls on the Government to hold urgent talks with The Children's Society to avoid the closure.","date":"2010-05-25","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40789","proposer":"10190","edm":"1147","session":"2009-10","title":"Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation","text":"That this House commends Albert Gubay, entrepreneur and former owner of Kwik Save and Total Fitness, for his pledge to raise \u00a31 billion for charity through the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation; notes Mr Gubay's donation of \u00a3480 million to the trust and commitment to grow the asset base of the charity further to a total of \u00a31 billion; and calls on the Government to encourage similar philanthropic behaviour and provide support and guidance for people wishing to follow Mr Gubay's example.","date":"2010-03-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40717","proposer":"11189","edm":"1082","session":"2009-10","title":"Help For Heroes Charity","text":"That this House pays tribute to our ex-servicemen and women, who have served this country with such courage and distinction; applauds the contribution of the Help for Heroes charity in supporting those wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan; recognises the organisation's work in facilitating the transition of veterans from the battlefield back into civilian life; and welcomes the financial support of the Scottish Government via the Scottish Veterans' Fund towards Help for Heroes projects throughout Scotland.","date":"2010-03-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40681","proposer":"10128","edm":"318A1","session":"2009-10","title":"Charities And Recorded Music Licences","text":"leave out from `2010;' to end and add `in line with the EU practice on copyright payments to recording artists, in an attempt to ensure that the legitimate rewards for the work of recording artists are not denied to them as they have been in the past; further accepts that like many organisations, charities are facing a drop in income following the impact on the economy of the collapse of the banks; and calls on the Government to enter into discussions with charities and their fund-raising organisations to work out a system that will attempt to enhance charitable giving, without denying the rights of musicians to proper remuneration when the work they created is played in public, particularly in any money making enterprise.'.","date":"2010-03-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40664","proposer":"10170","edm":"1038","session":"2009-10","title":"Unite's Not-For-profit Campaign","text":"That this House recognises that the workforce in the not-for-profit sector plays a vital role in the delivery of services; believes that it is highly dedicated to the quality of care and provision for users and that its skills and professionalism must not be undermined by the decisions of commissioners; further believes that poor contracts are causing excessive overtime in order to maintain services resulting in high levels of stress, family breakdown, ill health and a poor working environment, including workplace bullying and a lack of duty of care; further believes that short term funding only leads to job insecurity, poor pension opportunities and the inability to plan and to be strategic; further believes that cuts in funding have led to a poorly trained and developed workforce; congratulates Unite's campaign to ensure that the needs of the not-for-profit workforce is not forgotten; and calls on the Government, local authorities and other funders to ensure that contracts are properly funded on the principle of best value and not low cost, to ensure that the funding period is extended to between five and 10 years, and to take urgent measures to support the workforce.","date":"2010-03-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40619","proposer":"10331","edm":"997","session":"2009-10","title":"Churches Conservation Trust","text":"That this House notes the important work of the national charity, The Churches Conservation Trust; remembers the 40th anniversary celebratory events of 2009; and praises the invaluable work of the charity as it strives to continue to connect communities in the challenging conservation works, repairs and projects planned for 2010.","date":"2010-03-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40582","proposer":"10190","edm":"962","session":"2009-10","title":"Blue Peter Presenter Helen Skelton And Sport Relief","text":"That this House congratulates Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton on her 2,000 mile kayak along the Amazon to raise money for Sport Relief; notes her considerable position as a role model to young people and the magnificent example she sets; further notes the forthcoming verification by Guinness World Records of the two records set by Helen during her effort - longest solo journey by kayak and the longest distance travelled in a kayak in 24 hours by a women; and further notes the work of Sport Relief in raising money to help transform the lives of poor and vulnerable people, both in the UK and all over the world.","date":"2010-03-01","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40539","proposer":"11534","edm":"927","session":"2009-10","title":"UK Youth Charity","text":"That this House recognises the need to be positive about youth as the vast majority of young people make a positive contribution to society; notes the work of the charity UK Youth in supporting 750,000 young people to raise their aspirations, realise their potential and recognise their achievements; further recognises the value of non-formal learning in helping young people achieve their goals; further notes the importance of offering an alternative curriculum through non-formal learning to young people who struggle with mainstream education; calls for greater recognition of the achievements of such young people who are making progress within an alternative curriculum; and congratulates UK Youth for its work in this sector as it celebrates its centenary in 2010.","date":"2010-02-24","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40543","proposer":"11280","edm":"931","session":"2009-10","title":"Lloyds Tsb Foundation For Scotland","text":"That this House notes with dismay the decisions by Lloyds Banking Group to give notice to the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland to terminate its funding covenant and to veto the appointment of the chair selected by the trustees; further notes the extensive charity work undertaken by the Foundation in all parts of Scotland which is of benefit to communities and deserving causes; believes that the proposals put forward by Lloyds Banking Group are detrimental to the Foundation and would transform it from a charity to a corporate foundation; and calls on the Government as 46 per cent. owner of Lloyds Banking Group to make clear its concerns and to ask Lloyds Banking Group to negotiate in good faith with the trustees and to leave the appointment of trustees to the arms-length process which has previously prevailed.","date":"2010-02-24","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40412","proposer":"10487","edm":"812","session":"2009-10","title":"Pendle Boarding School For Girls (No. 2)","text":"That this House notes with approval that plans for a 5,000 place boarding school for Muslim girls at Brierfield Mills have been blocked by the Charity Commission, which has ruled that it is not within the charitable objects of the Birmingham-based Islamic Help to raise money for such a purpose; is reminded that the charity's focus is disaster relief; further notes that Islamic Help has been ordered to return the money raised from its appeal for funds to all those who donated and expects this to be reported prominently on its website; is informed that donations made anonymously will go into a special pot which cannot be used for another purpose without the express permission of the Charity Commission; notes that the fundraising appeal has now been removed from Islamic Help's website; further notes with incredulity the explanation from the charity that the \u00a310,000 reportedly raised by the appeal to date has not been applied in furtherance of the boarding school project; believes that \u00a3650,000 of the \u00a31,020,000 plus value added tax purchase price came in the form of a loan from Lloyds TSB with the balance allegedly coming from pledges and backdated gift aid; and calls for a full audit of the finances of Islamic Help and the continued involvement of the Charity Commission in its supervision and oversight.","date":"2010-02-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40348","proposer":"11707","edm":"756","session":"2009-10","title":"Honour Network Funding","text":"That this House notes with concern that the UK's only national telephone helpline dedicated to providing assistance to victims of forced marriage, the Honour Network, has had to stop taking evening and weekend calls due to a lack of funds; commends the important work carried out by the Honour Network whose staff are all survivors of forced marriages; recognises that the helpline received around 300 calls per month in 2009; further notes that a quarter of these were made on evenings or weekends; is concerned that it has already missed in excess of 70 calls in 2010 as a result of not being open on evenings and weekends; is further concerned that after initial support from the Forced Marriage Unit, Honour Network operations are now completely reliant on donations which cannot support it fully; acknowledges that the charity that oversees the Network, Karma Nirvana, estimates that the cost of keeping the helpline open all year round would only be \u00a380,000 per year; believes that this represents excellent value for money for such a vital service; and calls on the Government to make up for this shortfall in funds in order to keep the helpline open.","date":"2010-02-01","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40322","proposer":"11971","edm":"731","session":"2009-10","title":"Theft Of Charity Clothing Donations","text":"That this House condemns the theft of clothing donations left on doorsteps for charity collections; calls on the Government to ensure that police forces tackle the serious and organised nature of the criminal gangs responsible; expresses concern over possible consequent losses to the Exchequer and calls on HM Revenue and Customs to investigate what criminals are doing with the money; notes that research by Clothes Aid and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs estimates losses to theft at between 14,000 and 24,000 tonnes per annum with a value of between \u00a37 million and \u00a312 million; calls on the Government to facilitate a Standards Summit to bring charities, collection agents and Government agencies together to discuss ways to stamp out bogus collectors and companies that mislead the public; and further calls for more robust enforcement powers for Trading Standards, Scambusters and other agencies to regulate all those involved in textile collections, whether charities or commercial operators.","date":"2010-01-27","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40251","proposer":"10295","edm":"662","session":"2009-10","title":"Nhs Charity Money","text":"That this House is concerned by HM Treasury plans to change the accounting system for NHS charitable money in April; believes the change is unnecessary and of no benefit to the NHS; notes the claim by the Charity Commission that it will amount to the nationalisation of charity money; fears the unintended consequence will be to discourage donations from the public to hospitals which add up annually to \u00a3330 million; and supports the campaign by The People newspaper to exempt NHS charitable giving from the new regulations.","date":"2010-01-20","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40136","proposer":"10549","edm":"557","session":"2009-10","title":"Launch Of Steve Sinnott Foundation","text":"That this House welcomes the cross-party support at the launch in Parliament on 1 December 2009 of the Steve Sinnott Foundation, a charity set up to promote the United Nations Millennium Development Goal 2 of universal primary education for all by 2015; notes that the Foundation will work with teachers worldwide to set up a global online community through which they can share knowledge and experience and help secure a primary education for the 75 million children who are denied the opportunity to attend school; and further notes that the work of the Foundation will continue the work and commitment of Steve Sinnott, the late General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, who was passionate about the cause of primary education for all.","date":"2010-01-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40084","proposer":"10329","edm":"511","session":"2009-10","title":"Outwest","text":"That this House congratulates Outwest on being granted charitable status by the Charity Commission; notes with approval that it has received a grant of \u00a310,000 from Awards for All Lottery Funding; applauds the sponsorship of a gay football team that encourages involvement in sports with limited funding; recognises the important role Outwest plays in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community by visibly supporting relevant issues such as World Aids Day; and commends Outwest for its remarkable achievement and all the work the volunteers have done for the LGBT community.","date":"2009-12-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40087","proposer":"11672","edm":"514","session":"2009-10","title":"Fareshare For Leeds","text":"That this House supports FareShare's work in Leeds to help vulnerable groups including the homeless, children and the elderly; recognises the importance of FareShare's work to keep fit for purpose food from landfill; welcomes Sainsbury's generous donation of dozens of food items to the StreetSmart 2009 campaign, which is then split between the campaign's five official charities Caring For Life in Cookridge, St George's Crypt, St Anne's Community Services, Teen Challenge and the Simon Community in Leeds; and acknowledges the fantastic work of these charities in helping vulnerable groups and thanks Sainsbury's for helping to maintain through these charities the essential services for homeless people living in and around Leeds.","date":"2009-12-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40088","proposer":"11672","edm":"515","session":"2009-10","title":"Market Town Taverns' Christmas Charity Appeal","text":"That this House supports Market Town Taverns' charitable drive to raise funds for the housing and homelessness charity Shelter; notes the invaluable work of Shelter in giving advice and advocacy to people in housing need; commends Market Town Taverns in running, 10 excellent pubs in the north of England with a real commitment to locally brewed real ale, for its initiative in asking all customers to donate 50 pence over the Christmas season; recognises the current economic instability in the pub trade; and thanks both those operating the campaign and those who have supported the campaign and donated money to Shelter during this difficult time.","date":"2009-12-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40091","proposer":"11480","edm":"518","session":"2009-10","title":"Independence Of Nhs Charities","text":"That this House is alarmed at the manner in which the Department of Health and Monitor are applying International Accounting Standard 27, which will come into effect from April 2010, to NHS charities; notes the serious concern amongst the Association of NHS Charities and the Charity Commission that this could lead to the consolidation of NHS charities' funds, worth over \u00a3300 million annually, and assets, worth over \u00a32 billion, into the public accounts of their parent NHS bodies; believes this would seriously undermine the independence of those charities and damage their level of income from donations; further believes that the manner in which these accounting standards are being applied is entirely inappropriate for NHS charities; and calls on the Treasury and the Office of the Third Sector to take action to ensure that the existing independence of NHS charities from public sector bodies is maintained.","date":"2009-12-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"40028","proposer":"11245","edm":"458","session":"2009-10","title":"Bliss Charity And Neonatal Care In England","text":"That this House notes that 70,000 babies were admitted to neonatal care in England in 2008, almost 20,000 of those being admitted to intensive care; further notes that Bliss is the only UK charity that helps care for premature and sick babies; congratulates Bliss on 30 years of campaigning that has resulted in an NHS neonatal taskforce conducting the most comprehensive review of neonatal care ever undertaken in England; and calls on the Government to implement fully the Taskforce's recommendations in order to make a lasting improvement in the way babies and their families are cared for.","date":"2009-12-14","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39908","proposer":"11489","edm":"348","session":"2009-10","title":"Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution","text":"That this House recognises the outstanding work done by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), a charity that support farmers in need or financial hardship; notes that accident and illness can put severe pressure on farming families; further notes that RABI runs two residential homes and is developing specialist rural housing for retired members of the farming community; and congratulates RABI for the valuable work it carries out to support agricultural communities.","date":"2009-12-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39878","proposer":"10356","edm":"318","session":"2009-10","title":"Charities And Recorded Music Licences","text":"That this House notes the Government's decision to make charities and other not-for-profit organisations pay for a licence when they play recorded music in their own premises from April 2010; further notes the proposals would result in an unacceptable financial burden on the voluntary and community sector upwards of \u00a320 million per annum; further notes the devastating impact that these proposals would have on local tea dances, youth clubs, coffee mornings, charity shops and others; and therefore calls on the Government to maintain the status quo and continue the current exemption for all charities and other not-for-profit organisations from this music licence regime.","date":"2009-12-01","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39721","proposer":"11923","edm":"181","session":"2009-10","title":"Orbis Charity","text":"That this House recognises the excellent work of the charity Orbis which provides medical assistance to people in developing countries with sight problems; applauds the work of the dedicated team of volunteer nurses and doctors who make this life-changing work possible; and further recognises the generosity of those who support this charity to enable these eye operations to take place so the individuals concerned can gain independence and transform their lives.","date":"2009-11-24","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39692","proposer":"11245","edm":"153","session":"2009-10","title":"Parentline Assistance","text":"That this House notes that household budgets across the country are being squeezed and family life can be very tough; congratulates the staff and volunteers working with Parentline, the national parent support charity, which provides a 24-hour, free, confidential helpline and the Got a Teenager website, for the work they do to help parents with teenagers and children; recognises that building communities that are good for children means listening to parents and giving them the help they need; and therefore calls on the Government to continue to fund Parentline and for hon. Members to refer constituents experiencing difficulties to Parentline via the confidential free telephone helpline and their online support.","date":"2009-11-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39698","proposer":"11480","edm":"159","session":"2009-10","title":"Campaigning Research Programme","text":"That this House is deeply concerned by the decision by the Office for the Third Sector to divert \u00a3750,000 from the Campaigning Research Programme to top up the Hardship Fund; notes that the Campaigning Research Programme was for organisations with a turnover of less than \u00a3150,000 and that the Hardship Fund is for those over \u00a3200,000; is alarmed that this decision has been made despite the fact that grants to 32 small charities from the Programme's fund had already been approved, and that it was made without any effort to consult those charities affected or the sector more broadly; is concerned that this runs counter to the terms of the Compact for charities and sets a poor example to other public bodies; and calls on the Government to reinstate the funding for the Programme without delay.","date":"2009-11-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39657","proposer":"10295","edm":"120","session":"2009-10","title":"Charities And Churches At Christmas","text":"That this House recognises the many charities, organisations and churches around the country working tirelessly to support those for whom Christmas is a difficult time; acknowledges their provision of homeless shelters, support for those with health problems, company and support for those on their own; recognises the invaluable role the church plays at Christmas by uniting the community and providing help to families, homeless and those on their own; and congratulates the thousands of volunteers throughout the UK who give up their spare time to support others during the holidays.","date":"2009-11-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39670","proposer":"10295","edm":"133","session":"2009-10","title":"Help The Homeless","text":"That this House pays tribute to the work of Help the Homeless; recognises the important role Help the Homeless plays in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society; pays tribute to those who work for Help the Homeless and do everything they can to ensure that people are not sleeping rough; and calls on local authorities and Government to provide adequate funding to Help the Homeless, which provides a cost-effective service in helping homeless people back into society.","date":"2009-11-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39671","proposer":"10785","edm":"134","session":"2009-10","title":"Lloyds Tsb And Scottish Charities","text":"That this House notes with regret the recent decision by Lloyds Banking Group to cut its Scottish charitable foundations funding worth an estimated six million pounds annually; further notes the concerns raised that many Scottish charities face closure, job losses and scaling down as a result of the loss of funding; further notes that Scottish charities are set to lose \u00a322 million over the next nine years as a result of the banks new proposals; further notes that over the past year Lloyds Bank has received over \u00a340 billion in Government aid; recognises that the charitable foundation is an independent body which operates to a covenant put in place by an Act of Parliament; applauds the work of the foundation which since its establishment in 1985 has delivered more than 12,000 awards totalling nearly \u00a385 million to disadvantaged people and communities across Scotland; and urges the bank to reconsider its funding cuts decision.","date":"2009-11-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39540","proposer":"10521","edm":"3","session":"2009-10","title":"25th Anniversary Of Raleigh International","text":"That this House congratulates the charity Raleigh International on its 25th anniversary; acknowledges with appreciation its exceptional work which 30,000 young people have undertaken in 45 countries since 1984; notes that the organisation, originally known as Operation Raleigh, involves teams of young people working alongside those from different backgrounds and cultures, helping participants to transform their lives, raising their aspirations and developing their leadership skills while teaching them the value and sense of achievement; further notes that the projects range from the installation of water supplies in remote villages to the construction of bridges; welcomes the Government grant to assist a number of unemployed graduates to participate this year in the Raleigh programme; and wishes Raleigh International further success in the years ahead.","date":"2009-11-18","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39532","proposer":"10295","edm":"2268","session":"2008-09","title":"Help For Heroes Charity Funding","text":"That this House supports the Help for Heroes charity which was established to help those injured in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan; pays tribute to the founders of the charity and the volunteers who help ensure that the money raised goes to those who need it most; notes that the charity aims to raise \u00a320 million through high profile events, sponsorship and individual donations by 2010; and calls on the Government to provide match funding in order that organisations and projects designed to help injured troops have the finances available to provide first-class care and support.","date":"2009-11-10","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39477","proposer":"11923","edm":"2217","session":"2008-09","title":"Operation Christmas Child Appeal","text":"That this House celebrates the Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal run by Samaritan's Purse, which arranges for families in the UK to provide a sealed shoebox of Christmas gifts to be sent to children overseas who are less fortunate; congratulates the Westmorland Gazette for promoting this campaign in South Cumbria; and encourages hon. Members to take part in the scheme and to promote the appeal in their constituencies.","date":"2009-11-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39401","proposer":"11814","edm":"2156","session":"2008-09","title":"Football Clubs And Local Charities","text":"That this House congratulates Sheffield Wednesday FC on its decision to engage as its main sponsor The Children's Hospital in Sheffield; recognises the potential this creates for raising significant sums of money for a highly valued charity; notes that this partnership has already raised \u00a350,000 for the charity and that the first major business has announced a sponsorship deal which will benefit both partners; and calls on other professional clubs to follow Sheffield Wednesday's lead in forgoing sponsorship deals in order to build effective links with local charities and the communities they serve.","date":"2009-10-26","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39350","proposer":"11199","edm":"2118","session":"2008-09","title":"Blue Cross Animal Welfare Charity","text":"That this House acknowledges the extraordinary and invaluable work undertaken by the Blue Cross, Britain's pet charity, carrying out over 55,000 consultations, 7,500 operations and 12,000 diagnostic procedures on sick and injured animals annually; recognises the tireless commitment made by their team of dedicated volunteers who complement the work of their paid staff, having given 114,046 hours of their time last year alone; promotes their outstanding reputation for re-homing unwanted and abandoned animals, educating the public in responsible pet ownership; and thoroughly commends their tremendous contribution to animal welfare throughout the United Kingdom.","date":"2009-10-20","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39323","proposer":"10105","edm":"2092","session":"2008-09","title":"Postcode Lottery Supports Charities","text":"That this House congratulates the winners in the S75 postcode area in Barnsley, who won their share of \u00a3250,000 in the People's Postcode Lottery Jumbo in summer 2009; notes that the People's Postcode Lottery has raised over \u00a32.2 million for charities in the north of England; further notes that funds raised by the organisation support a large number of local and regional charities involved in children's wellbeing, poverty relief, nature conservation, community development and missing people; further notes that the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have been major beneficiaries; and wishes the People's Postcode Lottery, its players and charity partners every success for the future.","date":"2009-10-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39302","proposer":"10785","edm":"2071","session":"2008-09","title":"Lloyds Tsb And Scottish Charities","text":"That this House notes with regret the recent decision by Lloyds Banking Group to cut its Scottish charitable foundations funding worth an estimated \u00a36 billion annually; notes the concerns raised that many Scottish charities face closure, job losses and scaling down as a result of the loss of funding; further notes that Scottish charities are set to lose \u00a322 million over the next nine years as a result of the bank's new proposals; further notes that over the past year Lloyds Bank has received over \u00a340 billion in Government aid; recognises that the charitable foundation is an independent body which operates to a covenant put in place by an Act of Parliament; applauds the work of the foundation which since its establishment in 1985 has delivered more than 12,000 awards totalling nearly \u00a385 million to disadvantaged people and communities across Scotland; and urges the bank to reconsider its funding cuts decision.","date":"2009-10-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39295","proposer":"11427","edm":"2068","session":"2008-09","title":"Sophie Atay Appeal","text":"That this House supports Whickham School's 2009 annual charity week, led by co-chairs Jess Emmerson and Sarah Bilton and vice-chairs Lucy Zwolinska and Andrew Gallagher which aims to raise money for the Sophie Atay Appeal; notes that two year old Sophie has been diagnosed at a high risk stage of a rare and aggressive form of cancer called Neuroblastoma; further notes that this cancer has survival rates as low as 20 per cent.; that her family have found a hospital in New York where the chances of survival could soar to between 80 and 90 per cent.; applauds the students' initiative in devising a wide variety of fundraising ideas including a Sing for Sophie battle of the bands, tuck shops, car washes, t-shirt sales, a curry night and an X-Factor style competition running with special guest Big Brother's Charlie Drummond judging the final; and wishes all those involved great success in raising money for this vital cause.","date":"2009-10-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"39015","proposer":"10105","edm":"1808","session":"2008-09","title":"Mesothelioma Awareness Ride","text":"That this House congratulates Katrina London, Jason Addy and Paul Glanville who are cycling 1,200 miles from Glasgow to Southampton stopping at cities along the route to raise awareness and raise funds for the victims of mesothelioma cancer and other diseases caused by exposure to asbestos and to obtain support for the establishment of a National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases.","date":"2009-07-02","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"38986","proposer":"11672","edm":"1786","session":"2008-09","title":"CHRIS CARVER'S OTLEY TO LONDON RUN","text":"That this House congratulates Mr Chris Carver on the extraordinary achievement of completing a 218 mile run from Otley to London; further congratulates Mr Carver on managing to raise over \u00c2\u00a32,000 for the charity Orchid, a cancer charity dedicated to preventing, diagnosing and treating male cancers; is hugely impressed that he managed to complete this challenge in just under 45 hours and recognises the physical and mental discipline as well as intensive training that is required to complete such an impressive example of ultra distance running; and wishes him every success in his future endeavours, including the Commonwealth 24 hour Championships which takes place in September.","date":"2009-07-01","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"38990","proposer":"11036","edm":"1790","session":"2008-09","title":"Royal Marines Sponsored Half Marathon For Help For Heroes","text":"That this House welcomes the initiative being taken by 10 Royal Marine aircrew from 845, 846 and 848 Naval Air squadrons, based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, to run the Bristol Half Marathon on 6 September 2009 while carrying a 31 foot long 300lb Sea King rotor blade, in order to raise money for the Help for Heroes charity; wishes Colour Sergeant Jim Coulter and his nine colleagues all the best with this challenge; and urges businesses and individuals to sponsor this event in order to raise as much money as possible for this excellent cause.","date":"2009-07-01","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"38907","proposer":"10439","edm":"1714","session":"2008-09","title":"Work Of The Alive And Kicking Charity","text":"That this House commends the work of Alive and Kicking, a charity which takes on previously unemployed adults in Kenya, Zambia and South Africa to hand-stitch durable sports balls for local communities; welcomes the opportunity that these sports balls give for children in some of the poorest communities in Africa to play games; notes that every job provided by Alive and Kicking usually supports an extended family of up to seven or eight people; recognises the importance of the health messages printed on the balls, which raise awareness of HIV and AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis; and wishes this innovative charity a successful future, particularly in the build-up to the 2010 World Cup which is to be held in South Africa.","date":"2009-06-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"38690","proposer":"10323","edm":"1520","session":"2008-09","title":"Work Of Interpal","text":"That this House recognises the important and valuable work carried out by the charity Interpal; agrees with the Charity Commission that charities like Interpal who provide `humanitarian aid in high-risk situations, such as conflict and other complex emergencies, make a vital contribution to these communities and their work supports people in desperate need'; notes with concern the numerous unsubstantiated allegations of links to terrorism that have been levelled at Interpal and the undeserved and unjust negative impact that these have had on the charity's reputation and operations; praises Interpal on its efforts to comply with all of the Charity Commission's recommendations regarding due diligence and monitoring of partners; and, in light of Lloyds TSB's decision to refuse to continue processing the charity's international clearance payments and bearing in mind the Charity Commission's view that `every charity must have access to banking services', calls on the Government to offer stronger support to Interpal in their efforts to find permanent banking arrangements.","date":"2009-05-18","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"38632","proposer":"10312","edm":"1464","session":"2008-09","title":"90th Anniversary Of Combat Stress","text":"That this House notes that 12 May is the 90th anniversary of Combat Stress, the leading charity specialising in the care of British veterans who have been profoundly traumatised by harrowing experiences during their service career and who are suffering from poor mental health as a result; congratulates the charity on the excellent work it has done for ex-servicemen and women throughout its history and particularly in the last few years with armed forces personnel who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan; and congratulates Combat Stress further on its highly successful campaign to have psychological wounding recognised as an occupational hazard of military service and addressed as effectively as the Government already addresses physical injury.","date":"2009-05-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"38555","proposer":"10062","edm":"1394","session":"2008-09","title":"Charities And Icelandic Banks","text":"That this House urges the Government to accept the recommendations of the Treasury Select Committee report into the Banking crisis and the impact of the failure of the Icelandic banks (Fifth Report from the Treasury Committee, Session 2008-09, HC 402); notes the recommendation that on this occasion, all charities be compensated for their losses; and further urges the Government to take immediate action to compensate charities so that they can continue with their important work.","date":"2009-04-29","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"38402","proposer":"11971","edm":"1277","session":"2008-09","title":"Bogus Clothing Collection Companies","text":"That this House condemns the practice of bogus clothing collection companies that use misleading leaflets to solicit clothing donations under the pretence of benevolent purposes but sell the clothes for financial gain; further condemns the outright theft of charitable donations from doorsteps carried out by organised criminal gangs in connection with these bogus companies; notes with concern the losses to the charitable sector of \u00c2\u00a33 million per year, caused by these actions, as estimated by the Association of Charity Shops; and calls for measures to be taken to raise public awareness of these activities, stronger action to prevent bogus companies operating outside the law and further steps to help the police tackle donation theft, particularly concerning the rules on ownership of charitable donations.","date":"2009-04-02","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"38344","proposer":"10295","edm":"1224","session":"2008-09","title":"INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT MOVEMENT'S OUR WORLD. YOUR MOVE CAMPAIGN","text":"That this House fully supports the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the world's largest humanitarian network with almost 97 million volunteers across 186 countries; notes that 2009 is the 150th anniversary of the battle of Solferino, which inspired the idea of the Red Cross and modern International Humanitarian Law (IHL); further notes that 2009 is also the 90th anniversary of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and 60 years since the adoption of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, the cornerstone of IHL; recognises the continued vital importance of the Geneva Conventions and the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Movement; congratulates the Movement on its achievements and ability to respond to humanitarian need across the world; pays particular tribute to the work of the British Red Cross, its staff and 30,000 UK volunteers, as an invaluable auxiliary to the UK Government in providing humanitarian assistance in times of crisis in the UK and across the world; and further fully supports the Movement's Our World. Your Move campaign, which highlights the challenges faced by people in need throughout the world and the actions that can change their lives.","date":"2009-03-30","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"38189","proposer":"10521","edm":"1081","session":"2008-09","title":"30th Anniversary Of Headway The Brain Injury Association","text":"That this House congratulates Headway, the brain injury association, for providing outstanding help and support to brain injury survivors and their families for the last 30 years; acknowledges the vital role that the charity plays in helping to improve quality of life after brain injury; notes that half a million people live with the long-term effects of brain injury; wishes the charity well in its future endeavours; and encourages hon. and right hon. Members to support the charity on a local and national level.","date":"2009-03-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"38158","proposer":"10258","edm":"1054","session":"2008-09","title":"ROYAL NAVY AND ROYAL MARINES CHILDREN'S FUND","text":"That this House strongly supports the work of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children's Fund, the only charity dedicated to helping children of serving, and ex-serving, Naval Services personnel; notes that the charity has been running for over 100 years and helps children deal with the long-term psychological, emotional, physical, financial and social impacts that can result from having a parent work in the Naval Services; commends the charity for helping over 1,500 children each year, especially when demand is increasing due to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; believes that the Government should encourage local authorities to provide greater assistance for the children and families left vulnerable by the effects of conflict; calls on Ministers to take into account the unique pressures and challenges being faced by the children of serving and ex-serving personnel when formulating policies; and urges everyone to support the excellent work of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children's Fund.","date":"2009-03-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"38171","proposer":"10169","edm":"1067","session":"2008-09","title":"Comic Relief Red Nose Day","text":"That this House congratulates all those involved in organising fundraising events for Comic Relief's Red Nose Day on 13 March 2009; believes Comic Relief has achieved magnificent results in its support for good causes; and urges hon. Members to do what they can by participating in Red Nose Day events.","date":"2009-03-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"38133","proposer":"11312","edm":"1035","session":"2008-09","title":"Lloyds Tsb And Interpal","text":"The Status of this EDM is Withdrawn.","date":"2009-03-10","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"38135","proposer":"11707","edm":"1037","session":"2008-09","title":"Christie Charity And The Financial Services Compensation Scheme","text":"That this House notes with dismay the decision by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme not to allow The Christie charity's claim for \u00c2\u00a36.5 million after the collapse of the UK-regulated bank Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander; further notes that this decision will have no impact on services or jobs, but that it puts under threat future research developments and new buildings; recognises the outstanding healthcare and support provided by The Christie to cancer patients and their families and the contribution made by thousands of individuals who work tirelessly to raise money to support the work of The Christie; welcomes the plans by The Christie to apply for a judicial review to overturn the decision; and looks forward to the money being returned to The Christie.","date":"2009-03-10","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"38141","proposer":"10367","edm":"1043","session":"2008-09","title":"Christie Charity And The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (No. 2)","text":"That this House expresses grave concern at the decision of the Financial Services Authority's compensation scheme to refuse to reimburse the charity of Manchester's renowned Christie cancer hospital; recalls that this charity suffered the loss of 6.5 million with the collapse of the Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander bank; recognises that these monies represent the many small donations from countless individuals who gave to show gratitude for the wonderful work of Christie hospital for themselves, their family and friends, or simply in recognition of that work; regrets that the loss of these monies will lead to a reduction in current life-saving research programmes and the cancellation of a 50 million joint research development with the University of Manchester; and calls on the Financial Services Authority and Treasury Ministers to review this decision in order to prevent these unacceptable consequences.","date":"2009-03-10","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"37863","proposer":"13712","edm":"801","session":"2008-09","title":"Children Of Chernobyl","text":"That this House notes that each year 4,000 Chernobyl children benefit from a recuperative holiday in the UK; further notes that these holidays are paid for by the Chernobyl children's charities; further notes the Belarus government's temporary suspension of the visits; urges the Government to take every step necessary to reach an acceptable agreement quickly with the Belarussian government so that planning can proceed for this summer's holidays in the UK; welcomes the Government's waiver for visa fees for Chernobyl children from Belarus; and urges the Government to introduce a similar arrangement for Chernobyl children from Ukraine.","date":"2009-02-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"37613","proposer":"10647","edm":"579","session":"2008-09","title":"East Cheshire Hospice Christmas Tree Collection","text":"That this House congratulates the 200 volunteers and the organisers Richard Raymond and Peter Chapman of the East Cheshire Hospice 2009 Christmas tree collection, which was carried out on the weekend of 10 and 11 January 2009; notes that this valuable and worthwhile environmental initiative raised well in excess of \u00c2\u00a341,000 this year for the East Cheshire Hospice; further notes that more than \u00c2\u00a3150,000 has been raised since the Christmas tree collection service was first suggested and established in 1999 by the Chapman family of Prestbury; expresses its thanks to Macclesfield Borough Council, its staff and volunteers for their continuing co-operation and assistance with the scheme; regrets that the East Cheshire Hospice cannot claim Gift Aid on the monies collected by the annual scheme; and calls on the Government to amend the Gift Aid rules to permit payments and donations in respect of such collection services to be the subject of Gift Aid.","date":"2009-01-26","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"37530","proposer":"11489","edm":"506","session":"2008-09","title":"Haul","text":"That this House congratulates HAUL, a Ceredigion-based charity that creates artwork for healthcare settings in the county, for over 10 years of outstanding work; acknowledges the importance of art and other cultural facilities in making hospital stays as comfortable as possible; notes the enthusiasm of patients, staff and visitors towards the activities of HAUL, with over 70 people taking part in creating artwork for this year's Big Draw event; and wishes the charity well in its future endeavours.","date":"2009-01-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"37489","proposer":"10006","edm":"465","session":"2008-09","title":"New Water Charges And The Voluntary Sector","text":"That this House notes with concern that the imposition of new surface water drainage charges comes at the worst possible time for the voluntary sector, ranging from churches to sports clubs to local scout and guide huts, many of which are already suffering from a fall in donation income and investment income as a result of the crisis in the economy; regrets what is yet another sign of the Government's failure to appreciate the vital role of faith-based and voluntary sector organisations to our communities; and calls for the implementation of these new charges to be delayed until a proper assessment of their impact has been made.","date":"2009-01-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"37328","proposer":"10295","edm":"319","session":"2008-09","title":"Charities And Churches At Christmas","text":"That this House recognises that many charities, organisations and churches around the country are working tirelessly to support those for whom Christmas is a difficult time; acknowledges their provision of homeless shelters, support for those with health problems, company and support for those on their own; recognises the invaluable role the Church plays at Christmas by uniting the community and providing help to families, the homeless and those on their own; and congratulates the thousands of volunteers throughout the UK who give up their spare time to support others during the holidays.","date":"2008-12-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"37279","proposer":"11245","edm":"278","session":"2008-09","title":"Parentline Help At Christmas","text":"That this House congratulates the staff and volunteers working with Parentline, the national parent support charity, which provides a 24-hour, free, confidential helpline and the new Got a Teenager website, for the work they do to help parents with teenagers and children; further congratulates the Government on its Parent Know How programme which aims to ensure parents have access to appropriate information, advice and guidance to support them in their parenting roles; notes that an online survey of parents conducted by Parentline Plus shows that the credit crunch is biting this Christmas with over a third of parents cutting back on spending; further notes that parents are being hit by the triple whammy of higher prices, the end of fixed-rate mortgages and a fear of losing their jobs, and they can no longer afford to give their children the latest fashion and technology, causing increasing family stress; and therefore calls on the Government to continue to fund Parentline and for hon. Members to refer constituents experiencing difficulties to Parentline via the confidential free telephone helpline and their online support.","date":"2008-12-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"37250","proposer":"11783","edm":"249","session":"2008-09","title":"React Charity","text":"That this House commends the charity React (Rapid Effective Assistance for Children with Potentially Terminal Illness); applauds their efforts to improve the quality of life for financially disadvantaged children with life-limiting illnesses living in the United Kingdom; notes their calculated estimate that there are up to 7,500 terminally ill children nationwide whose families struggle to afford the costly care they require; supports their belief that every child should have comfort, dignity and the opportunity to participate in life as fully as possible; recognises the fact that they respond quickly, practically and sensitively to supply a wide range of equipment from specialised wheelchairs, beds, baths and mobility aids to essential everyday items like washing machines and tumble dryers; and applauds their ongoing efforts to raise awareness and reach out to an even greater number of terminally ill children across the United Kingdom who deserve a greater level of care.","date":"2008-12-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"37177","proposer":"11489","edm":"185","session":"2008-09","title":"British Heart Foundation In Wales","text":"That this House congratulates the British Heart Foundation for the work it does in Wales in funding 31 nurses, funding research on heart disorders, providing information and fund-raising; notes that 12,000 people a year die from heart or circulatory disease in Wales, killing more than any other disease; further notes that in Wales there are nearly 250 Heartstart UK schemes, training 19,000 school children to save lives between June 2006 and June 2007; applauds the outstanding contribution to local and national heart services made by the British Heart Foundation; and wishes the charity well in its future work.","date":"2008-12-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"37035","proposer":"10716","edm":"43","session":"2008-09","title":"Walk In Our Shoes Event","text":"That this House supports Walk In Our Shoes, a national event organised by Treehouse, the national charity for autism education; notes that the event involves Ministers, frontbenchers, hon. Members and councillors spending time with families affected by autism in order better to understand the condition; believes that the event was also an opportunity to highlight the positive aspects of autism and to draw attention to the significant contribution that children and young people with autism can make when supported to reach their full potential; congratulates Treehouse for the excellent event which has given decision-makers a real insight into the everyday life of children and young people with autism and the life of their families; further believes that the education system ought to better take account of the needs of children affected by autism, given that they make up 1 in 100 school-aged children in the UK; and calls on the Government to recognise the importance of parent participation in the delivery of services for children with autism and to ensure that the progress and achievements of children with autism are properly acknowledged in the education system.","date":"2008-12-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"37088","proposer":"10133","edm":"98","session":"2008-09","title":"Lloyds Tsb Plc And British Charities","text":"That this House notes the excellent work of the British charity Interpal in helping the Palestinians with \u00c2\u00a340 million worth of humanitarian aid development since 1994; acknowledges that Lloyds TSB Group Plc has served notice to the Islamic Bank of Britain to discontinue its services to Interpal or subsequently to face closure itself without offering any reason; further notes the wide distress that this has the potential to cause, in both the local Muslim community and the wider Arab world, since both hold the charity in particularly high regard; further notes that Interpal has withstood three previous investigations by the Charity Commission; and calls upon the Government to note the precedent this will lay down regarding any other charities Lloyds may choose to target and to ensure that this bank which is in receipt of enormous state benefit be pressurised to behave in a socially responsible manner.","date":"2008-12-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36913","proposer":"11450","edm":"2505","session":"2007-08","title":"Community Service Volunteers Make A Difference Day","text":"That this House notes the success of Community Service Volunteers (CSV) 13th annual Make a Difference Day, the UK's biggest day of hands-on volunteering and the only campaign that asks people to give time, not money; congratulates the 700,000 people who have taken part since 1996 and the 35,000 volunteers who took part this year involved in the 1,269 unique projects nationwide; notes that 11 million people suggest that they would volunteer if only they were asked; and therefore encourages hon. Members to promote the work of CSV, the UK's largest volunteering and training charity, and its aim to involve young people aged between 16 and 35 in voluntary service in the UK, in order to enrich the lives of volunteers and those they help and to generate social change.","date":"2008-11-13","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36877","proposer":"13712","edm":"2471","session":"2007-08","title":"PEOPLE'S POSTCODE LOTTERY","text":"That this House congratulates the People's Postcode Lottery in raising over \u00c2\u00a31 million for charities in Scotland in its first year of existence; welcomes the fact that funding is unrestricted so that its charity partners, Scottish Wildlife Trust, CHILDREN 1ST and Maggie's Cancer Care centres can spend the money with complete independence; notes that the money raised so far equates to funding a Maggie's centre for one year which would support the CHILDREN 1ST ParentLine service for 12 months and maintain the Scottish Wildlife Trust's network of over 120 reserves across Scotland; further welcomes the fact that all funds raised in Scotland remain in Scotland; acknowledges that in other parts of the country, such as the north east of England, and Yorkshire, over \u00c2\u00a31.5 million has been raised for local charities; and supports the future growth of the Lottery into all corners of the UK so that other charities can benefit from this invaluable source of funding.","date":"2008-11-11","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36883","proposer":"12016","edm":"2477","session":"2007-08","title":"Seashell Trust","text":"That this House recognises the invaluable work of the Royal School for the Deaf over its 185 year history; salutes its outstanding national and international reputation as a centre of excellence for individuals with complex learning and communication difficulties; welcomes the charity's new identity as the Seashell Trust which better represents the diversity of the Trust's services; believes this change marks the beginning of an exciting new future; congratulates the Principal, Hilary Ward, and all her remarkable staff on their tremendous work from their base in Cheadle, Cheshire; thanks all the volunteers and donors, locally and nationally, who have contributed so much to the School over the years; and wishes everyone connected with the Seashell Trust every continuing success for its future.","date":"2008-11-11","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36774","proposer":"10356","edm":"2385","session":"2007-08","title":"Charity Commission Register Of Charities","text":"That this House congratulates the Charity Commission on the launch of its new register of charities in England and Wales; recognises its hard work in promoting transparency and good governance in the charity sector; notes that the new register makes information about charities more accessible and easier to understand; believes that it will contribute to promoting public trust and confidence in the sector; and encourages members of the public to use the new register to find out more about the charities it supports by visiting the website at www.charitycommission.gov.uk.","date":"2008-10-30","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36761","proposer":"11522","edm":"2374","session":"2007-08","title":"X Factor Song For Heroes","text":"That this House applauds the X Factor programme and its contestants for the Song for Heroes single release; notes that it is encouraging that this engagement with the armed forces will help younger generations to appreciate what they owe to the services; further notes that the hard and dedicated work of UK troops will receive the high profile acknowledgement it deserves; and wishes the X Factor contestants every success at they endeavour to raise money for Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in support of the men and women prepared to lay down their lives for Queen and Country, both today and in the past.","date":"2008-10-29","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36665","proposer":"11389","edm":"2297","session":"2007-08","title":"Naomi House Lost Funds","text":"That this House notes that Naomi House Hospice has \u00c2\u00a35.7 million invested in the failed Icelandic bank Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander; applauds the work the charity does in providing a service to children and young adults with life limiting conditions free of charge; believes that it performs a vitally important and specific function; and calls upon the Government to assist with recovering these funds.","date":"2008-10-20","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36643","proposer":"11923","edm":"2276","session":"2007-08","title":"Operation Christmas Child Appeal","text":"That this House celebrates the Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal run by Samaritan's Purse, which arranges for families in the UK to provide a sealed shoebox of Christmas gifts to be sent to children overseas who are less fortunate; congratulates the Westmorland Gazette for promoting this campaign in South Cumbria; and encourages hon. Members to take part in the scheme and to promote the appeal in their constituencies.","date":"2008-10-16","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36546","proposer":"10295","edm":"2196","session":"2007-08","title":"Collection Of Clothes For Profit","text":"That this House notes with concern the practice of private companies who distribute unsolicited mail asking residents for unwanted clothes and blankets; notes that these mailings take the form of charity notices, but that once the clothes are collected they are then sold for a profit; expresses concern that people are being misled about the nature of such collections; and calls on the Government to ensure that any company carrying out such practices should clearly state that the clothes will be sold for profit as opposed to collected for charity.","date":"2008-10-08","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36550","proposer":"10157","edm":"2200","session":"2007-08","title":"Glasgow Rangers And Unicef","text":"That this House congratulates Glasgow Rangers Football Club on establishing a partnership with UNICEF which will see the Rangers Charity Foundation raising \u00c2\u00a3300,000 by 2011 to fund a UNICEF education programme in India called Reducing the Gender Gap: Quality Education for Girls, which will focus on improving the quality of children's education and working to ensure that all children, especially girls and those from disadvantaged or socially excluded backgrounds, have access to schools in the Indian states of Assam, West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajastan, Gujurat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala; further notes that the five other football clubs which have a partnership with UNICEF are Manchester United, Barcelona, Boca Juniors, Feyenoord and AC Milan; and welcomes this example of a great Scottish institution looking beyond its own midden to help the less fortunate elsewhere in the world.","date":"2008-10-08","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36508","proposer":"11475","edm":"2158","session":"2007-08","title":"Breast Cancer Wear It Pink Day Campaign","text":"That this House recognises that over 45,500 women and almost 300 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 in the UK; endorses Breast Cancer Campaign's organisation of Wear it Pink on 31st October 2008; notes the importance of the event in promoting awareness of breast cancer among the general public; encourages hon. Members to participate in the initiative to help raise funds for innovative world-class breast cancer research at centres of excellence throughout the UK; and congratulates Breast Cancer Campaign and all of its supporters for having raised over \u00c2\u00a33.2 million in 2007 through Wear it Pink.","date":"2008-10-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36406","proposer":"10518","edm":"2064","session":"2007-08","title":"NORTH WALES RAMBLERS' ASSOCIATION 20TH ANNIVERSARY","text":"That this House congratulates North Wales Area Ramblers' Association on its 20th anniversary; notes that it has over 2,000 members and has produced its most comprehensive guided walks programme for the second half of 2008 with over 300 walks ranging from short strolls, longer walks over the lowlands, to strenuous walks and scrambles; and considers that such a programme is a reminder of just how many people enjoy walking, and how important catering for walkers is to the economy of North Wales, and how essential it is that local people strive to keep footpaths free of obstruction, and that they are clearly marked and signposted.","date":"2008-07-16","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36279","proposer":"10174","edm":"1956","session":"2007-08","title":"Piper Alpha Charitable Trust","text":"That this House recalls with deep sadness the deaths of 167 workers on the Piper Alpha oil rig on 6th July 1988; notes the bravery and dedication of survivors, rescue teams, medical and emergency staff involved; and calls upon the Government and the off-shore oil and gas industry to support the creation of a substantial charitable trust which will further honour the memory of the victims and individuals who work in this challenging sector by providing scholarships to scientists, technologists and other experts who strive to improve the health, safety and effectiveness of the sector.","date":"2008-07-03","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36237","proposer":"10170","edm":"1915","session":"2007-08","title":"Sea Sunday And The Welfare Of Seafarers","text":"That this House in recalling Britain's proud maritime heritage notes that today 90 per cent. of world trade travels by sea, 95 per cent. of the United Kingdom's imports and exports travel by sea, and 146,000 merchant ships arrive in British ports every year contributing to the nearly \u00c2\u00a340 billion annual turnover of the British maritime sector; acknowledges that the inherent problems for many thousands of merchant seafarers of dangerous conditions, low pay, poor morale, sickness, and separation from family are sometimes exacerbated by exploitative employers sailing under flags of convenience; congratulates the national charity, the Apostleship of the Sea, on its work for the welfare and rights of all seafarers who visit British shores through a network of 26 port chaplains and over 120 volunteers in 57 ports and berthing facilities across Great Britain; extends its best wishes for the organisation's future development; hopes that the Apostleship of the Sea and its ecumenical partners, the Mission to Seafarers and the Sailors' Society, which provide so generously for the welfare of seafarers, benefit from the greater awareness of their mission stimulated by the presentations, prayers and collections associated with Sea Sunday on 13th July; and urges all businesses which import and export goods by sea to be responsible, corporate citizens and encourage their shipping providers to adopt an acceptable minimum level of care for their seafaring employees as advised by the Maritime Labour Convention 2006.","date":"2008-06-30","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36227","proposer":"10226","edm":"1906","session":"2007-08","title":"Sue Ryder Care","text":"That this House recognises the key role played by the third sector in providing valuable specialised care services; praises the work of organisations such as Sue Ryder Care, which develop innovative solutions to providing these services and meeting the needs of local communities; and calls upon the Government to support Sue Ryder Care and other specialist voluntary providers by ensuring that they are paid the true cost for the basic services they provide on behalf of the state, so that their voluntary funds can be used to help them innovate further.","date":"2008-06-26","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36084","proposer":"11480","edm":"1783","session":"2007-08","title":"Saga Respite For Carers Trust","text":"That this House notes the last census in 2001 put the total figure of carers at 5.2 million in England, 480,000 in Scotland and 306,000 in Wales, numbers which are likely to be increasing as the population ages; further notes that one million carers provide more than 50 hours of care a week; that research by Carers UK estimates the value to the UK of this support at \u00c2\u00a382 billion a year, each carer thus saving the taxpayer over \u00c2\u00a315,000 annually; further acknowledges that the Saga\/Populus Panel 2008 survey shows first, that two-thirds of these carers receive no benefits or financial support for providing care and only 12 per cent. claim carer's allowance and second, that 46 per cent. of carers have not taken a holiday away from their caring responsibilities in the last year, while 24 per cent. have never taken such a holiday (this figure rising to 31 per cent. for longer term carers); believes that this relentless work inevitably takes a toll on the carer's health; and therefore welcomes the launch on 10th June of the Saga Respite for Carers Trust which seeks first, to highlight this issue and in particular to raise the profile of the need for respite breaks and second, to fund free respite breaks for people over 50 caring for a family member.","date":"2008-06-12","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36085","proposer":"10455","edm":"1784","session":"2007-08","title":"WALLACE AND GROMIT'S WRONG TROUSERS DAY ON 27th JUNE","text":"That this House supports the excellent work of Wallace and Gromit's Children's Foundation to improve the quality of life of children in hospitals and hospices across the UK by raising money to support a range of innovative projects which ensure children and their families have access to the very best comforts, therapies and facilities available, including art, music and play therapy; recognises the positive impact these activities have on children; congratulates Wallace and Gromit's Children's Foundation for raising over \u00c2\u00a31 million for these good causes; welcomes the annual Wallace and Gromit's Wrong Trousers Day on 27th June; and encourages as many people as possible to get involved on the day.","date":"2008-06-12","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"36007","proposer":"10197","edm":"1721","session":"2007-08","title":"Christian Churches And Public Services","text":"That this House welcomes the publication of Moral, But No Compass: Church, Government and the Future of Welfare, by Francis Davis, Elizabeth Paulhus et al of the Von Hugel Institute, Cambridge University, the results of research undertaken with the blessing of the Archbishop's Council of the Church of England and with the support of the House of Bishops; notes that it records an absence of an adequate evidence base on the part of the Government and departments of state when it comes to understanding the civic contribution of the Christian churches in the UK; notes an under-estimation of the total number of faith-based charities on the part of the Charity Commission; acknowledges the pioneering contribution made by Christian churches to social innovations in services and initiatives on housing, alcohol dependency, poverty alleviation, education, criminal justice, community participation and health and well-being as well as rural and urban social cohesion and economic development; notes that the research draws on interviews with Ministers and shadow ministers, senior civil servants and voluntary sector leaders as well as several Members of both Houses; congratulates the Right Reverend Stephen Lowe, National Bishop for Urban Life, for initiating this work; calls for fresh and high level discussions within the Civil Service and with, and between Ministers on measures to help the UK harness this under-recognised faith-based contribution to the life of the UK; and calls on British embassies and consulates-general to share the report with other EU and Commonwealth countries as an example of good British practice.","date":"2008-06-09","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35961","proposer":"10331","edm":"1677","session":"2007-08","title":"Arrhythmia Awareness Week 2008","text":"That this House welcomes Arrhythmia Awareness Week 2008 from 9th to 15th June; notes that cardiac arrhythmia claims the lives of 100,000 people each year, making it the UK's single biggest killer, and that it is also an independent risk factor for strokes; congratulates organisations, such as Arrhythmia Alliance, which are working to raise awareness of this cardiac condition which affects one million people in the UK; supports the placement of medical devices such as automated external defibrillators in the community to save lives; and calls upon the Government to continue to support the implementation of Chapter 8 (Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death) of the National Service Framework for Coronary Heath Disease.","date":"2008-06-03","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35972","proposer":"11489","edm":"1688","session":"2007-08","title":"Royal National Lifeboat Institution","text":"That this House congratulates Mr Dai Jenkins of Aberystwyth for being awarded a RNLI Gold Badge in recognition of his 50 years' service to the operation of lifeboats in Ceredigion; acknowledges that more than 137,000 lives have been saved due to the outstanding work carried out by the RNLI since its founding in 1824 as the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck; applauds the thousands of volunteers that enable the RNLI to continue in this valuable work; and wishes the charity well for the future.","date":"2008-06-03","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35946","proposer":"10465","edm":"1665","session":"2007-08","title":"Razorlight, The Aviators And Carbon Emissions","text":"That this House applauds the Big Ask concert organised by Friends of the Earth in the Science Museum's Aviation Hall on the evening of 3rd June 2008; welcomes the musical performances of Razorlight, supported by a cross party band of hon. Members, known as the Aviators, to draw attention to the case for including aviation and shipping emissions in emissions calculations; and calls on the Government to include these in Britain's carbon targets at the earliest opportunity.","date":"2008-06-02","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35858","proposer":"10384","edm":"1581","session":"2007-08","title":"Charities And Unclaimed Assets In Dormant Accounts","text":"That this House congratulates over 50 charities for coming together to form the Unclaimed Assets Charity Coalition; notes that legacies are increasingly important to charities and constitute almost 50 per cent. of some charities' voluntary income; further notes that evidence received by the Treasury Committee indicates that there are hundreds of millions of pounds in unclaimed assets; further notes that some legacies are incomplete because of unclaimed assets left in dormant accounts which charities find difficult to identify and access; acknowledges that a register of dormant accounts would resolve this problem in a more efficient and secure way than the online tracing scheme recently created by the banks, buildings societies and National Savings and Investment (NS&I); welcomes the fact that the well-respected law firm, Withers LLP, has provided legal advice, since shared with Ministers, on the feasibility of a register; further notes that registers work in the United States and other countries without fraud, using only publicly available information; and urges the Government to ensure people's dying wishes to leave money to charity are respected completely by the inclusion in the Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Bill of a reserve power for the creation of a register of dormant accounts, to be used should banks', building societies' and the NS&I's efforts to reunite charities with the entirety of legacies bequeathed to them, and thus money that is rightfully theirs, continue to prove inadequate.","date":"2008-05-15","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35846","proposer":"10141","edm":"1570","session":"2007-08","title":"Hospice Lottery Limit","text":"That this House recognises the valuable, specialist work carried out by hospices throughout the country; also recognises that success at fundraising is a vital factor for the continuation of the specialist palliative care they provide for many patients; congratulates the actions of over 100 independent hospice lotteries in the UK that have formed the Hospices Lotteries Association to promote best practice and exchange ideas; supports the proposals being considered for a combined national draw that will benefit individual hospices and will not be in competition with the National Lottery as the first prize proposal is \u00c2\u00a3100,000; notes that the current limit on proceeds laid down in the Gaming Act 2005 is \u00c2\u00a32 million and the combined hospice lotteries could exceed \u00c2\u00a34 million; and calls on the Government to review the limit of proceeds in the Gaming Act 2005 and raise the limit for hospice lotteries in order for hospice supporters to contribute to the charity as a donation to the cause and secure the much needed, vital funds for hospice services.","date":"2008-05-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35848","proposer":"10518","edm":"1572","session":"2007-08","title":"British Heart Foundation","text":"That this House supports the vital work of the British Heart Foundation in tackling heart disease, the biggest cause of premature death in the UK and its pioneering research and efforts in encouraging preventative activity such as the North Wales Bike Ride, which is taking place in Rhyl on 8th June; and urges everyone across North Wales and North West England to get on their bikes and take part.","date":"2008-05-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35851","proposer":"10338","edm":"1575","session":"2007-08","title":"PRINCE'S TRUST BUSINESS PROGRAMME 25th ANNIVERSARY","text":"That this House recognises the need to inspire the next generation of British entrepreneurs to remain competitive in an increasingly uncertain global economic climate; warmly congratulates The Prince's Trust on the 25th anniversary of its Business Programme; notes that the Business Programme has supported more than 70,000 disadvantaged young people into businesses over the last quarter of a century, 58 per cent. of which are still trading into their third year; and acknowledges that this support costs \u00c2\u00a31 million per month, but that every \u00c2\u00a31 invested in the Trust's Business Programme generates \u00c2\u00a32 in return to the Exchequer and is hugely valuable to the UK economy.","date":"2008-05-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35797","proposer":"10261","edm":"1337A1","session":"2007-08","title":"TERRY PRATCHETT AND ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH FUNDING","text":"after `research', insert `, including research using animals'.","date":"2008-05-08","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35716","proposer":"10220","edm":"1454","session":"2007-08","title":"Pennies4change Charity","text":"That this House urges the banking and retail sectors to allow their customers to raise an estimated \u00c2\u00a3100 million a year for charity by offering the option of rounding up credit and debit card transactions to the nearest \u00c2\u00a31 through the PIN terminal at the point of sale through the Pennies4change scheme; and considers that by harnessing the power of pennies and encouraging a culture of giving, Pennies4change can make a significant impact for those in need and for good causes everywhere.","date":"2008-04-29","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35719","proposer":"11592","edm":"1457","session":"2007-08","title":"10th Anniversary Of The Lavender Trust","text":"That this House congratulates the Lavender Trust at Breast Cancer Care on its 10th anniversary; notes that the Lavender Trust was co-founded by Beth Wagstaff and Justine Picardie and is the only fund in the UK dedicated to addressing the particular needs of younger women with breast cancer; acknowledges that over one-fifth of breast cancer patients are women under 50 years of age who often face an uncertain future, early menopause and child care issues; further notes the variety of free support funded by the Lavender Trust including publications, workshops and telephone support; pays tribute to the dedication of all involved with the Lavender Trust over the last 10 years; and wishes them every success for the future.","date":"2008-04-29","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35723","proposer":"10293","edm":"1461","session":"2007-08","title":"Army Benevolent Fund Cannon Ball","text":"That this House congratulates the Earl and Countess of Portsmouth on their initiative in organising the Cannon Ball at their home to raise money for the Hampshire Branch of the Army Benevolent Fund; acknowledges the efforts of the organising committee, the generosity of sponsors and advertisers; and notes that over \u00c2\u00a3250,000 was raised to support Her Majesty's magnificent Armed Forces.","date":"2008-04-29","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35694","proposer":"11963","edm":"1433","session":"2007-08","title":"Rotary Club And The Eradication Of Polio","text":"That this House congratulates the work of Rotary International in helping to reduce the number of polio cases by 99 per cent. over the last 20 years; further congratulates Rotary members' efforts in raising more than \u00c2\u00a3430 million to fund polio immunisation activities over 20 years of humanitarian activity; notes that 2008 is the 50th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Largs which will be continuing its fundraising activities throughout the year to help eradicate polio; and hopes that due to the tireless work of Rotary Club members and many others that polio will soon be stamped out for good.","date":"2008-04-28","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35687","proposer":"11783","edm":"1428","session":"2007-08","title":"Missing Live","text":"That this House commends the BBC One series, Missing Live, running every weekday from 21st April to 16th May, which follows the work of the police and the charity Missing People; recognises the immense value in bringing wider understanding and exposure to the reasons many people go missing as well as the technology and techniques involved in trying to find them; and encourages the Government, local authorities and hon. and right hon. Members to give publicity to the series and to support the charity Missing People ahead of International Missing Children's Day on 25th May.","date":"2008-04-25","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35670","proposer":"10336","edm":"1419","session":"2007-08","title":"Trussell Trust Food Banks","text":"That this House notes the work of the Trussell Trust, which aims to reduce poverty, deprivation and despair at the point of need; applauds its establishment of local food banks which collect and distribute basic food and vouchers to many thousands of people in crisis situations; welcomes the Trust's decision to open franchised food bank networks in over 20 towns and cities from Cornwall to Inverness; and encourages the Trussell Trust to spread its network further.","date":"2008-04-24","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35591","proposer":"10647","edm":"1347","session":"2007-08","title":"Exemptions And Reliefs On Water Charges","text":"That this House expresses its concern about the removal of current exemptions and relief from water charges for churches and charities in 2010; notes that churches will be liable for surface water handling from 2010; further notes that St George's Street Baptist Church in Macclesfield will incur an increase in water charges of more than 480 per cent; recognises the disproportionate financial burden this change to water billing will place on charitable organisations; is disappointed by the lack of consultation and the limited period of time given before changes to water billing are implemented; is further disappointed that these changes are being introduced with the agreement of Ofwat and the Consumer Council for Water; and calls on the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform urgently to investigate the unreasonable impact of water billing changes on churches and charities and to review the decision to remove the current exemptions and relief from water charges in 2010.","date":"2008-04-21","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35577","proposer":"11672","edm":"1337","session":"2007-08","title":"TERRY PRATCHETT AND ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH FUNDING","text":"That this House applauds Terry Pratchett, who is donating $1 million to the Alzheimer's Research Trust; notes that there are 700,000 people with dementia in the UK, a number forecast to double within a generation; notes that for every person with Alzheimer's, \u00c2\u00a311 is spent each year on UK research compared with \u00c2\u00a3289 for each cancer patient; supports the work of the UK's leading scientists, who recently met at the Alzheimer's Research Trust's Network Conference in Bristol, in researching better treatments and possible cures for dementia; welcomes the campaign by Terry Pratchett and the Alzheimer's Research Trust to increase funding and promote further research into the diagnosis, treatment and a possible cure for Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.","date":"2008-04-03","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35438","proposer":"10716","edm":"1212","session":"2007-08","title":"Race For Chase Fundraising Event","text":"That this House supports the Race for Chase, a five day bike ride from Lands End to John O'Groats between 29th June and 3rd July organised by parents of Fraser Russell in their work to raise funds for and support Chase Hospice; notes that Chase Hospice Care for Children exists to support families with life-limited children, children or young people who are not expected to reach the age of 19 years because of incurable illnesses; commends all those involved; and calls on the Government to give its support to the Race for Chase and recognise the bravery of both parents and children who rely on Chase Hospice Care for Children.","date":"2008-03-18","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35338","proposer":"10646","edm":"1119","session":"2007-08","title":"Missing People","text":"That this House expresses its concern about the lack of advice and support available for families and friends of missing people; congratulates the work of the national charity Missing People in its efforts to find and reunite missing persons with their families; notes with concern that Missing People estimates that there are approximately 210,000 people reported as missing each year in the United Kingdom and further estimates that two thirds of these annually are young people aged under 18 years; further notes the need to raise public awareness of the serious problem of missing people; calls on the Government to help families of missing persons to set up internet websites with information and photographs of their missing relatives, to network with other missing persons support groups in other countries in order to search for UK citizens missing abroad, and also to continue improving services both nationally and internationally, and liaise with the Missing Persons organisation in order to facilitate the best possible services for families of missing people; further calls on the Government to introduce a Missing Persons Bill to Parliament, which would include provisions for a counselling service for families of missing people and assist families of missing people with their local media to ensure that a missing person case receives immediate and widespread publicity; and further expresses its support for the families and friends of missing people participating in the Missing People London March from Marble Arch to Downing Street on 12th March.","date":"2008-03-05","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35340","proposer":"10063","edm":"1121","session":"2007-08","title":"WORLD'S BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING","text":"That this House congratulates Macmillan Cancer Support for organising the World's Biggest Coffee Morning, which this year is taking place on 26th September, in which groups of people all over the country will be preparing morning drinks and snacks and raising funds for the fight against cancer; recognises the fantastic achievements of the coffee mornings of other years, in particular last year's which saw 50,000 separate coffee morning community events; notes that such publicity campaigns are key to raising funds and generating awareness in the fight against cancer; and further congratulates all those organising and taking part in the events this year.","date":"2008-03-05","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35214","proposer":"10383","edm":"1016","session":"2007-08","title":"Shelter And Its Staff","text":"That this House acknowledges the excellent record of the housing campaign organisation Shelter over its 41-year history in campaigning to highlight the issues of homelessness in Britain; expresses its regret at the actions of Shelter's management in seeking to impose upon Shelter's dedicated staff cuts in pay, longer working hours and the undermining of conditions of employment; expresses its solidarity with Shelter's members of the Transport and General Workers' Union currently in dispute; and urges the board of directors to work co-operatively with the union to resolve this dispute amicably to enable Shelter to continue to play its invaluable role in our society.","date":"2008-02-22","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35209","proposer":"10157","edm":"1011","session":"2007-08","title":"Action Aid And The Lisbon Treaty","text":"That this House notes that with regard to comments made by the Foreign Secretary in his opening speech of the Second Reading Debate in the House of Commons on 21st January 2008 claiming that Action Aid supported the Treaty of Lisbon provisions on development co-operation, Action Aid has clarified its position in a letter of 25th January to the Foreign Secretary, stating it believes `it would be premature to conclude that the Treaty is going to deliver the changes needed to improve European development policy'; further notes that in the same letter Action Aid have said that they ` . . . have reservations on the Treaty's discussion of trade, and particularly on the proposed extension of the Commission's competency to cover services, investment and intellectual property'; and believes that this clarification of the position of Action Aid should be declared when citing the support of this organisation in relation to EU development policy and Lisbon Treaty matters.","date":"2008-02-21","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35210","proposer":"10157","edm":"1012","session":"2007-08","title":"Save The Children And The Lisbon Treaty","text":"That this House notes that in response to the evidence used by the Foreign Secretary and Minister for Europe in the briefing document of 21st January 2008 that Save the Children saw the Lisbon Treaty as a `positive step for children' and implying its support for the Treaty, Save the Children have clarified their position in an e-mail of 25th January to the hon. Member for Glasgow South West and the Foreign Secretary on its implied support for the Treaty, saying that, while they do welcome the inclusion of children's rights in the Treaty, `...it would be a misrepresentation to say we endorse it'; also notes that Save the Children raises further concern about the `...omission of the principle of independence in the chapter on humanitarian aid, and the proposal to create a European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps'; and believes that this clarification of the position of Save the Children should be declared when citing the support of this organisation in relation to Lisbon Treaty matters.","date":"2008-02-21","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35185","proposer":"10157","edm":"990","session":"2007-08","title":"Oxfam And The Lisbon Treaty","text":"That this House notes that in an e-mail sent to the hon. Member for Glasgow South West on 17th January Oxfam states that it `. . . has no stance on whether or not the EU Treaty is adopted . . . these issues are ouside our competence and mandate'; notes that Oxfam was cited by the Foreign Secretary in the Second Reading Debate of 21st January 2008 as an organisation supporting the development co-operation measures in the Treaty as part of an argument that Parliament should pass the European Union (Amendment) Bill; notes also that the e-mail goes on to state that `. . . on the Treaty . . . there are . . . a number of caveats and concerns, which we and other development NGOs have raised'; and believes that this clarification of the position of Oxfam should be declared when citing the support of this organisation in relation to EU development policy and Lisbon Treaty matters.","date":"2008-02-20","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35162","proposer":"11573","edm":"969","session":"2007-08","title":"The Anthony Nolan Trust And The National Cord Blood Programme","text":"That this House salutes the pioneering work of the Anthony Nolan Trust in establishing and maintaining a national database of bone marrow donors for which they recruit and tissue-type more than 20,000 new entrants each year, giving around 6,000 children and adults a chance of new life since 1974; notes with interest that the Trust, with the support of the East Midlands Development Agency, has begun the establishment of a new Cord Blood Bank which could become a National Cord Blood Programme of a scale to provide a truly national resource for access to umbilical blood stem cells for future treatment and research; believes that this development offers great hope for the future treatment of a wide range of serious medical conditions; and invites the Secretary of State for Health to take a lead in welcoming the Trust's five year aim to collect 50,000 cord blood units with 30,000 able to be used for research purposes.","date":"2008-02-19","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35086","proposer":"11923","edm":"909","session":"2007-08","title":"Books 4 Tanzania","text":"That this House celebrates the work and successes of the Cumbria-based charity Books 4 Tanzania; is proud of their work in increasing literacy levels and education in villages in rural Tanzania; and wishes Books 4 Tanzania continued success for years to come.","date":"2008-02-07","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35038","proposer":"10428","edm":"862","session":"2007-08","title":"Relate Institute","text":"That this House is aware that Relate, the national charitable organisation dealing with family and other relationship breakdowns across the UK, holds an outstanding reputation in its field of work, in particular in the county of Nottinghamshire in which it extends support to at least 2,500 people per year; understands that it is able to achieve this successfully, not least because of its supply of trained counsellors who are able to work with couples, young people and families in the area; is therefore alarmed by reports that the Relate Institute, a faculty of Doncaster College, a renowned centre of excellence for the study of couple and family relationships, which currently trains approximately 350 students per year, is to have its HEFCE funding withdrawn; and believes that such a move will undermine the Government's stated aim of reaching 900,000 extra individuals skilled in talking therapies by 2011 and create disincentives that will undermine preventative interventions for people needing relationship support in their already difficult lives.","date":"2008-02-04","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"35039","proposer":"10157","edm":"863","session":"2007-08","title":"Support For The Lisbon Treaty And Financial Interests (No. 2)","text":"That this House notes that the Foreign Secretary in his speech to the House on Monday 21st January described the organisations One World Action and Action Aid as supporting the measures on development co-operation in the Lisbon Treaty; further notes that the Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Europe, in the Parliamentary Labour Party briefing document on the European Union (Amendment) Bill published on 21st January 2008, cited the endorsement of Save the Children for the Lisbon Treaty as a `positive step for children'; notes that The World Wildlife Fund in the document it co-authored with the Institute for Environmental Policy and the Green Alliance, The EU Reform Treaty - Environmental Implications, has expressed support for the Lisbon Treaty with the words `The Reform Treaty...in many ways offers some improvement...'; further notes that One World Action, during the period 2004 to 2007, received at least \u00c2\u00a3818,448 from the European Union according to its annual accounts, that Action Aid, in the years 2005 and 2006, received at least \u00c2\u00a35,869,000 from the European Union according to its annual accounts, that Save the Children, during the period 2003 to 2007, received at least \u00c2\u00a344,734,000 from the European Union according to its annual accounts, and that The World Wildlife Fund, during the period 2003 to 2006, received at least \u00c2\u00a32,027,000 from the European Union according to its annual accounts; and believes that this financial relationship is relevant and merits declaration whenever the views of these organisations in relation to EU matters are expressed.","date":"2008-02-04","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"34908","proposer":"10527","edm":"746","session":"2007-08","title":"Royal National Lifeboat Institution Annual Statistics","text":"That this House notes the publication of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's (RNLI) provisional annual lifeboat and lifeguard rescue statistics; congratulates all RNLI lifeboat stations, noting in particular that the busiest coastal station is in Torbay; and commends the RNLI fundraising efforts including their SOS Fundraising Day on 25th January 2008.","date":"2008-01-22","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"34911","proposer":"10647","edm":"749","session":"2007-08","title":"East Cheshire Hospice Christmas Tree Collection","text":"That this House congratulates the 150 volunteers, including Hugh Morgan, Sophia Morgan, Caroline Wilson, Dorian Belt, Andrew Robertson and organiser Richard Raymond, for the East Cheshire Hospice 2008 Christmas Tree Collection carried out on the weekend of 12th and 13th January 2008; notes that this valuable and worthwhile environmental initiative raised well in excess of \u00c2\u00a330,000 this year for the East Cheshire Hospice; further notes that more than \u00c2\u00a3100,000 has been raised since the Christmas tree collection service was first suggested and established in 1999 by the Chapman family of Prestbury; expresses its thanks to Macclesfield Borough Council, its staff and volunteers for their continuing co-operation and assistance with the scheme; further expresses its particular thanks to two individual Macclesfield Borough Council employees who gave their overtime payments to the fund; regrets that the East Cheshire Hospice cannot claim Gift Aid on the monies collected by the annual scheme; and calls on the Government to amend the Gift Aid rules to permit payments and donations in respect of such collection services to be eligible for Gift Aid.","date":"2008-01-22","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"34780","proposer":"11923","edm":"627","session":"2007-08","title":"Northern Rock Foundation Funding Reductions","text":"That this House expresses concern for the cultural and creative industries in Cumbria after the Northern Rock Foundation announced a cut from \u00c2\u00a322 million to \u00c2\u00a37 million for 2008 in their allocation of funding for arts and heritage projects; notes that this could jeopardise excellent creative outlets such as the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal; and urges the Government to source extra funding for these projects.","date":"2008-01-07","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"34750","proposer":"10459","edm":"599","session":"2007-08","title":"VAT On Charity Text Message Donations","text":"That this House notes with concern that VAT is currently charged on charity donations sent via text message; further notes that text messaging has proven to be one of the fastest growing areas in the communications sector; believes that text donations should receive the same zero rate as cash donations; recognises the significant financial benefits that this may have for the charities sector; further recognises the exceptional example of the Asian Tsunami text appeal which, exempted from VAT, raised over \u00c2\u00a31 million in three days; and calls upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer to assist charities by abolishing the VAT on text message donations.","date":"2007-12-17","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"34688","proposer":"10333","edm":"547","session":"2007-08","title":"Echo Christmas Toys Appeal","text":"That this House congratulates the great traditional Echo Christmas Toys Appeal for Wearside Women in Need and Sunderland Social Services to help give a happy Christmas to all children in need throughout the City; and praises the generosity of local people who have given so much.","date":"2007-12-11","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"34539","proposer":"11971","edm":"417","session":"2007-08","title":"Bogus Clothing Collection Companies","text":"That this House condemns the practice of bogus clothing collection companies that use misleading leaflets to solicit clothing donations under the pretence of benevolent purposes but sell the clothes for financial gain; further condemns the theft of charitable donations from doorsteps by organised criminal gangs in connection with these bogus companies; notes with concern the losses to the charitable sector of \u00c2\u00a33 million per year as estimated by the Association of Charity Shops caused by these actions; and calls for steps to be taken to raise public awareness of these activities, stronger action to prevent bogus companies operating outside the law and further steps to help the police tackle donation theft, particularly concerning the rules on ownership of charitable donations.","date":"2007-11-28","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"34552","proposer":"10467","edm":"431","session":"2007-08","title":"Barony Trust","text":"That this House congratulates the Barony Trust on winning the public vote for funding from the People's Millions thus enabling their Pitheid Patter project to keep alive the story of the Barony Colliery and Ayrshire's mining tradition.","date":"2007-11-28","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"34526","proposer":"10295","edm":"404","session":"2007-08","title":"Homelessness","text":"That this House notes that while people enjoy the Christmas period many individuals and families will be left homeless; pays tribute to the work of organisations, such as Shelter and Help the Homeless, who support hundreds of thousands of people every year, supporting those who are homeless, campaigning to raise awareness of the root causes of homelessness and looking to tackle poor quality housing; and calls on the Government to work closely with these organisations to improve the quality of housing and make up for the lack of work done to reduce the incidence of homelessness and look to ensure that adequate housing standards are provided throughout the UK.","date":"2007-11-27","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"34535","proposer":"10550","edm":"413","session":"2007-08","title":"Lifeblood Thrombosis Charity","text":"That this House congratulates Lifeblood, the thrombosis charity, on the tireless campaigning it has undertaken over the past five years in raising the profile of thrombosis amongst politicians and decision-makers whilst providing vital information and support to patients and their families on all areas of thrombosis and its related conditions; recognises that over 25,000 people die each year from venous thromboembolism (VTE) or blood clots, contracted in hospital, which is many times the number of deaths per year from hospital-acquired infections; notes that many of the deaths from VTE are preventable with safe and cost-effective methods of prevention available; is concerned that hospitals are not following the Chief Medical Officer's best practice recommendations published in April; and calls on the Government to ensure that all patients, both medical and surgical, who are admitted to hospital undergo a mandatory documented risk assessment for venous thrombosis and that this is audited to ensure implementation of this life-saving measure.","date":"2007-11-27","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"34493","proposer":"10074","edm":"373","session":"2007-08","title":"Charity Christmas Cards","text":"That this House notes the recent Which? and Charities Advisory Trust report on charity Christmas cards which determined in a survey of all the main high street shops offering charity Christmas cards that on average less than 10 per cent. of the purchase price is actually donated to the designated charity with some shops offering as little as 4 per cent.; believes that after expenses and deductions, at least 10 per cent. should be donated to charity in order to be labelled a charity card; therefore calls on the Government to work with the retail industry in drawing up a code of practice for the labelling of charity Christmas cards; and urges retailers not to exploit the public and charities during the season of goodwill.","date":"2007-11-22","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"34460","proposer":"10240","edm":"340","session":"2007-08","title":"Multiple Sclerosis National Therapy Centres","text":"That this House praises Multiple Sclerosis National Therapy Centres (MSNTCs) which offer invaluable assistance to thousands of MS sufferers and their families in England and Wales by providing a wide range of drug-free symptom management therapies, advice and support; notes that MSNTCs are non-profit-making charities which raise about \u00c2\u00a36 million annually, which is used entirely to meet their cost; is concerned at the Healthcare Commission's decision to impose charges for inspection of MSNTCs; further notes that these fees will have a very serious impact, making MSNTCs the only non-profit-making bodies charged these fees; further notes that Welsh MSNTCs are exempt from charges; and calls on the Government to review the Healthcare Commission's decision on inspection charges.","date":"2007-11-21","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"34366","proposer":"10001","edm":"259","session":"2007-08","title":"Westminster Council And The Season Of Goodwill","text":"That this House finds it sad that, as the festive season draws near, Westminster Council demonstrates its goodwill to all men by attempting to ban the distribution of soup to homeless men and women; notes that these proposals are an attack on the churches, charities and compassionate individuals who provide this service; further notes that without this food and emotional support provided, many homeless people will be cold, hungry and friendless; further notes that, if homeless people gathering to get hot soup are genuinely causing a public order problem, then Westminster Council has other legal remedies; and urges the council to abandon its Scrooge-like position.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"34303","proposer":"10295","edm":"201","session":"2007-08","title":"CHORLEY GUARDIAN AND MARY'S PRAYER","text":"That this House congratulates the Chorley Guardian for initiating the Mary's Prayer campaign; notes that the campaign is centred upon Mary Wilson, a local councillor and former Mayor of Chorley, who is suffering from cancer, with the aim of raising much needed funds for cancer research and treatment; recognises that so far Mary's Prayer has raised over \u00c2\u00a342,000; pays tribute to the efforts of the editor of the Chorley Guardian, Mr Christopher Maguire, whose vision and drive has ensured that the campaign has been a success; and wishes the Chorley Guardian and all those involved with the campaign the very best for the future in their fundraising activities.","date":"2007-11-12","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"34307","proposer":"10295","edm":"205","session":"2007-08","title":"Poppy Appeal","text":"That this House pays its respects to those who have lost their lives during conflicts across the world; recognises the sacrifice made by millions of people who have lost their lives, not only during the two world wars, but in other conflicts and peace-keeping operations; pays tribute to the Royal British Legion through the Poppy Appeal, which helps raise awareness about the loss of life suffered, in addition to raising funds in order to allow the Legion to carry out its important work and particular campaigns which benefit veterans and their families such as the current Broken Covenant Campaign; and urges everyone to support the Poppy Appeal, which helps support veterans and their families in many different ways.","date":"2007-11-12","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"34091","proposer":"10521","edm":"1","session":"2007-08","title":"ROYAL BRITISH LEGION'S MILITARY COVENANT CAMPAIGN","text":"That this House welcomes the Royal British Legion's campaign calling on the nation and Parliament to honour the military covenant; recognises the important role that the organisation plays in the provision of welfare support for serving men and women, veterans and their families; and urges all hon. and right hon. Members to pledge their support to the campaign to improve conditions in the areas of healthcare, compensation and support for bereaved families.","date":"2007-11-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Charities","id":"34128","proposer":"10057","edm":"38","session":"2007-08","title":"BBC Children In Need","text":"That this House believes that no person should charge, or be paid, a fee for presenting Children in Need and that the equivalent amount of any such savings made by the BBC should be contributed to the Children in Need fund; and congratulates all those BBC staff, and all others, who give their time, services and donations to Children in Need.","date":"2007-11-06","status":"c"}]