LIBERAL DEMOCRATS CALL FOR YREN FUNDING

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 22nd May 2008

After meeting with the Trustees of YREN Madeleine Kirk, other local Liberal Democrats and Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone are calling on the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) to provide much-needed funding for the York Racial Equality Network (YREN).

YREN is a local group that provides mutual support to people experiencing racial harassment, victimisation or isolation. They also promote awareness of the needs of ethnic minority people in the York area, and offer information.

Lynne Featherstone MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Youth and Equality, visited York Racial Equality Network (YREN) on Friday, with Liberal Democrat Councillors Madeleine Kirk,Keith Aspden, and Andrew Waller, to gain an understanding of the work going on in York towards achieving greater community cohesion and racial equality. Lynne met with the Director of YREN, Rita Sanderson, and members of the group to discuss the work they do. The meeting was part of Lynne's trip to York to find out about youth and equality work, as well as community and voluntary organizations in the city.

YREN has funding guaranteed for the next 3 years from York Council, and has, for several years, been able to rely on the Commission for Racial Equality (which preceeded CEHR) for the rest of its funding. This year, however, it has been refused this funding from CEHR, which would allow YREN to continue to provide the same level of service which has been valued by its members.

Local Liberal Democrat Councillors have already written to CEHR, in support of YREN, asking that the funding is continued. Having understood the valuable work that YREN does by speaking to its members on Friday, Lynne Featherstone said she will be writing to Trevor Philips, Chair of CEHR, to ask him to reconsider YREN's application for funding.

Madeleine Kirk, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for York Outer said

" Having worked with Rita Sanderson, Director of YREN on Scrutinising equality in York in the past I know that they are now in great turmoil and difficulty because the Commission, despite assurances, has not funded them this year. The work they do is very necessary, there are a growing number of black and ethnic minority residents and the issues of pressures on public services, social cohesion and the rest are just beginning to arise. I do hope that the CEHR will reconsider their decision and fund YREN".