A think-tank report said that state funding for charities had outstripped donations from the general public, putting the independence of the voluntary sector at risk. For those charities that delivered public services, it recommended that the direct financial link between the state and charity should be broken, so that the beneficiaries could control the choice of charity for a particular service.
Source: Richard Smith and Philip Whittington, Charity: The spectre of over-regulation and state dependency, Centre for Policy Studies (020 7222 4488)
Links: Summary | Barnardos press release | Guardian report
Date: 2006-Aug
An official commission began consultation of ways of putting to better use the unclaimed assets (untouched by their owners for a considerable period of time) held by banks, building societies, and other financial institutions. It proposed using the assets to set up an independent financial institution (the 'Social Investment Bank') that would act as a wholesaler and distributor for the third sector. The new bank would work with specialist distributors directly and indirectly to channel capital to where it could have the biggest impact. An effectively funded third sector could make a major contribution to regenerating deprived communities, improving financial inclusion, and realizing the potential of our disadvantaged youth.
Source: A Social Investment Bank: Consultation paper, Commission on Unclaimed Assets (020 7320 3045)
Links: Consultation document | BBA press release | BSA press release | Guardian report
Date: 2006-Jul
A report examined the benefits of community-based organizations being able to self-manage or own assets such as community centres, village halls, and other facilities.
Source: Community Assets: The benefits and costs of community management and ownership, Civil Renewal Unit/Department for Communities and Local Government (020 7035 6058)
Links: Report
Date: 2006-Jul
The 500 largest business donors contributed 1.07 billion in cash and kind to charities in 2005, a 15 per cent (real terms) increase on the previous year.
Source: Charity Trends 2006, Charities Aid Foundation (01732 520000)
Links: Summary
Date: 2006-Jun
The government announced (in the 2006 Budget) the creation of a new Office of Charity and Third Sector Finance. The new body (based in HM Treasury) would advise voluntary and community organizations on gift aid. It would also act as a policy and strategy network, bringing together all aspects of spending, financial services, and tax policy relating to the 'third sector' - including charities, voluntary and community groups, social enterprises, co-operatives and mutuals.
Source: Budget 2006: A strong and strengthening economy - Investing in Britain s future, Cm 968, HM Treasury, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Report | HMT press release
Date: 2006-Mar