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MP backs Portsmouth groups to bid for Suffrage Centenary Fund

By 22 February 2018No Comments

Portsmouth South MP, Stephen Morgan, has called on the Government to encourage smaller women’s groups to access funds
Stephen Morgan MP used Women’s and Equalities Questions in the House of Commons today to raise awareness of the £1.5 million made available to organisations as part of the hundredth anniversary of women gaining the vote.
Mr Morgan asked Amber Rudd MP what support her Government is offering to smaller groups to encourage them to bid for the funds.
Tuesday 6 February 2018 marked 100 years since the passing of The Representation of the People Act of 1918, which for the first time enfranchised some women over the age of 30. About 8.4 million women gained the vote.
Approximately 150 Small Grants valued between £300 and £2,000 are available for grassroots projects to run small-scale events and activities to celebrate the centenary of women gaining the vote. There are three bidding rounds during 2018.
Up to 30 Large Grants of between £2,000 and £125,000. These will fund projects that increase the understanding of, and engagement with, democracy, and encourage women to participate in public life. There are two bidding rounds during 2018.
Mr Morgan pressed the government after it came under fire after groups were given just four days to submit an online application for phase one funds to mark 6 February, the anniversary of the day the Representation of the People Act 1918 was passed. Just £60,000 – or 4% – of funding allocated to grassroots groups for the year has been allocated in time to celebrate the anniversary.

Stephen Morgan MP said:
“I want all women’s organisations, especially smaller community groups, to have access to these funds.
It’s brilliant that this money has been set aside for the centenary, but I think the Government needs to do more to support smaller local bodies in applying for their share.
The work of women’s organisations across our city is simply superb, I would encourage every one of them to put in a bid and help Portsmouth continue the legacy of the suffragettes”.
To find out more about the Women’s Vote Centenary Fund visit: www.womensvotecentenaryfund.co.uk