PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
VOLUNTEERS (4 March 1997)

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

Sponsored by:
Lord Howarth of Newport (Labour)