1. What discussions is the Deputy Minister having with third-sector organisations regarding funding in light of the impact of COVID-19 on their operation? OQ55896

I have regular conversations with the third sector. At my recent third sector partnership council meeting, third sector networks reported on the impact of COVID-19 on their operations. In particular, the decision by the UK Government not to extend the furlough scheme during our firebreak.

Thank you for that answer, Deputy Minister. I'm sure you agree with me that the voluntary sector and the local authorities working together have been hugely supportive of our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. And without their support, many people will have had great difficulties getting through this difficult time. But we are still going ahead with more need as we face the winter months, and self-isolation has created loneliness and situations of desperate need for many people, and therefore the voluntary sector will be required to step up once again over this period of time. But funding becomes a serious challenge in this situation. What funding streams are you looking at to ensure that those organisations can get the money to ensure that they're able to provide the voluntary sector needed to deliver on the COVID-19 needs? 

I thank David Rees for that question and also agree with him about the way in which the voluntary sector, indeed volunteers particularly, have come forward in response to the pandemic and shown the care and compassion that they displayed, particularly at the height of the pandemic during the lockdown, but since then. And if we look now, we've got 34,229 registered volunteers on our Volunteering Wales platform, with over 20,000 of those registered since 1 March. But the third sector is supporting that great swell of enthusiasm and support from volunteers. So, that's why I announced the Welsh Government's £24 million COVID-19 third sector support fund back in April, and we've made supporting the sector during the pandemic a priority of this Government. And, of course, the sector will play a key role if we are to see a fair and just recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. I do also urge charity and third sector organisations who still need support to explore the funding available that we have from the third sector resilience and the voluntary services recovery funds.

And just to finally conclude on the point in terms of your constituency, Neath Port Talbot council voluntary services has received £215,997 in Welsh Government funding this year, and that includes additional support from the infrastructure enabling fund.