Two more policy areas have been added to the minister for civil society’s portfolio, leading to concerns that he may have less time to focus on charities.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has confirmed that Stuart Andrew is now responsible for lotteries and gambling policy.
This is in addition to his existing roles overseeing civil society, loneliness, sport, tourism and heritage.
He is also responsible for high-profile ceremonial events such as the coronation of King Charles III later this year.
Andrew was appointed in October last year and has pledged to “engage constructively” with the voluntary sector as charities tackle higher costs and rising demand.
Caron Bradshaw, chief executive of the Charity Finance Group, told Third Sector she was encouraged by the way Andrew had worked with the sector so far and hoped the expanded brief would not leave him “stretched too thinly”.
She said: “Mr Andrew has acknowledged the role government can play in helping charitable organisations during these difficult times and his promise to work more closely together and ensure civil society representatives have a seat at the table is to be welcomed.
“As this ministerial portfolio grows, we hope that Mr Andrew’s commitment to building bridges between the sector and the government remains strong and he is not stretched too thinly to provide the focus we need.
“Our shared vision to support the vital role civil society plays in helping our country and our communities go beyond surviving to genuinely thriving is crucial in this tough operating environment.”
Jay Kennedy, director of policy and research at the Directory for Social Change, said the change may have little short-term impact and urged charities to stay focused on lobbying Andrew over key issues for the sector.
He said: “So far Stuart Andrew seems to be engaging with the sector, which has been refreshing and will hopefully continue.
“In terms of his portfolio changing, I’m not sure it will make that much difference, at least short term, if the coronation stays in his remit, which must be taking up some capacity.
“Longer term, with a general election looming ever closer, there are bigger things to consider about how charities and civil society influence policymaking, how central government fails to recognise and engage the sector’s expertise and what the political parties may be willing to do to change that for the better.”