September Policy Update

Welcome to the September Policy Update. Here you will find news and updates from around the charity sector. This month’s update includes some information on the next VCSE Barometer Survey, the Charity Commission’s latest research and the Government’s next moves. Plus an overview of the Civil Society Group’s Budget submission to HM Treasury. 

Please contribute to research that influences government policy! 

The VCSE Data and Insights Observatory is inviting charities to participate in the 8th VCSE Barometer Survey, which is open for three weeks from Wednesday 25 September to Wednesday 16 October. This survey will focus on governance, particularly examining the roles and skills of trustees and directors from an organisational perspective. 

Since 2022, this survey has captured the evolving challenges within the VCSE sector and the data has been used to successfully influence people in government, for example in funding policies related to the cost-of-living crisis. This information will be used to inform both the community of participating organisations and national policymakers, so it’s crucial that you have your say and that we keep the participation rates going strong. 

Click here to add your voice to the survey. 

Does Labour need to rediscover an ‘invest to save’ approach? 

This month the Government announced that they will be pulling the plug on winter fuel payments for all pensioners and favouring a means tested system. This controversial decision has fueled discord amongst the general public, with many concerned about the impact on lives this winter. As the Budget draws closer, is this a glimpse into what’s in store for Britain?  

In a new article by Jay Kennedy, DSC’s Director of Policy and Research, Jay makes the argument that the upcoming Budget is an opportunity for Labour to move away from austerity and prioritise investment in public services and the voluntary sector, which is essential for long-term economic growth and societal well-being. Jay emphasises the importance of rethinking fiscal decisions to support preventive investments that lead to more savings and improved services. 

Read Jay Kennedy’s full article here. 

Public trust and confidence in charities is stable and high 

Recent research by the Charity Commission shows that public trust and confidence in charities has reached an all-time high. In the Commission’s 2024 results charities scored 6.5 out of 10, an increase of 0.3 points compared to last year. What does this tell us, and what lessons can we draw from it? 

Well, according to Andrew Purkis, DSC’s Policy Trustee, this new data should be taken with a pinch of salt. Andrew highlights the public’s limited understanding of what constitutes a charity, with many unaware of smaller or less prominent ones. He also makes the argument that “trust” varies by context and expectation and making broad comparisons between sectors is somewhat flawed.  

Read Andrew’s full argument here. 

Civil Society Group responds to Treasury consultation on the Budget 

The Civil Society Group (CSG) is a collaboration of over 80 representative and membership organisations across civil society, which has been going since the pandemic. In advance of the Budget on 30 October, the CSG submitted proposals to HM Treasury that could help boost the charity sector and its beneficiaries. 

The full response includes many proposals that would require limited or no funding to implement, such as reinstating mandatory reporting of charitable giving by companies, and increasing charity tax limits in line with inflation. 

It also includes proposals that would require investment, such as sufficient funding for the charity regulators across the UK, requiring and enabling public bodies at every level to ensure that grants and contracts meet the true costs of delivering public services, and a ‘protected minimum floor for reductions to Universal Credit allowance’. 

You can find a summary and download the full document at the Charity Finance Group website. 

Stay tuned to DSC’s website and social media for analysis of the Budget and how it affects charities on 30 October.