HYNDBURN MP Greg Pope is backing new initiatives announced by Chancellor Gordon Brown that could result in a £1billion cash boost for charities and voluntary organisations across Britain.

The plans are aimed at encouraging a 'giving age' and Mr Pope hopes they will get more people involved in community and voluntary work in Hyndburn.

New tax reforms will make it simpler and more cost effective for individuals to give to charity and particularly to give through the pay roll.

'Corporate giving' will also be encouraged and made simpler.

From April, companies will be able to give any amount of money to charity and get tax relief for the full amount.

Mr Pope said: "I know from my work throughout Hyndburn that voluntary organisations have a huge contribution to make.

"Their proposals to tackle local problems are often innovative and imaginative - so I'm delighted that these new measures will target more money to the voluntary sector.

"Everyone in Hyndburn recognises the important role charities play in our community and I hope that many more volunteers from the area will get involved - not just giving their money, but their time too."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.