To ask the Minister for Communities (i) for an update on the review of the Concordat with the Community and Voluntary Sector; (ii) with whom she has consulted; and (iii) to publish an interim report to ensure all Departments are aware of the agreement before budgets, contracts and grants are issued for 2021/22.

My Department is not currently undertaking a formal review of the 2011 Concordat, which formalises the strategic level relationships between government and the voluntary and community sector. My Department remains committed to the principles of the Concordat which applies to all government departments, local government and Arm’s Length Bodies.

My Department has worked in close partnership with the sector to support the community response to the pandemic. Collaboration and partnership have facilitated a strong collective response to the pandemic and underline the value of the Concordat commitments.