Oral QuestionDepartment for Culture, Media and Sport

If she will have discussions with the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation on its role in supporting coal mining communities.

Tabled: 16 September 2025Answered: 16 October 2025

Asked by

Ian Lavery

LabourBlyth and Ashington

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

Answer from Hansard

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)

I know from my own experience, from Members across the House and from my constituents, of the deep unhappiness with CISWO. As Charities Minister, I met representatives of the Charity Commission to discuss CISWO’s support for coal mining communities, and I know the commission is in contact with CISWO. I encourage the chief executive officer and trustees to reflect on how they deliver their charitable purposes in the light of the dissatisfaction expressed by hon. Members and local communities, and I strongly encourage CISWO to strengthen its engagement with the local coalfield communities that it was established to support.