The Catholic Union has responded to the Queen’s Speech on 11 May 2021.
Catholic Union Director, Nigel Parker, comments: “National recovery is rightly the Government’s focus for the year ahead but rebuilding from the pandemic is a task that needs to involve everyone in society.
“What started as a health crisis has turned into an economic crisis with a social crisis seen in many areas of life. Rebuilding our society and supporting those on the margins should be a priority.
“We need to see greater support for the voluntary sector. Plans to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy on charities are welcome, but what charities need more than anything is financial support. This Queen’s Speech is another missed opportunity to enhance the Gift Aid system.
“The pandemic has put a huge strain on finances and relationships for many families. It’s worrying that there was no mention of family in the Queen’s Speech. A renewed focus on early years childcare is welcome, but we are still a long way from seeing families properly supported in the tax and benefit system.
“Focusing international aid spending on reducing poverty and alleviating human suffering is welcome, but this does not make up for the overall cut in the aid budget.
“This is a moment not just for national recovery, but for national renewal. The Government should seek to build a fairer country and enable civil society to flourish as we recover from the pandemic.”