NAVCA has highlighted the threat to smaller charities and community groups presented by the Lobbying Bill.

NAVCA has published their briefing on the Lobbying Bill to accompany the 2nd reading of the bill in the House of Lords today.

NAVCA fully agrees with the campaign being led by NCVO, Friends of the Earth and other charities that the bill as currently drafted is entirely unworkable and may limit charities’ and other groups’ ability to speak out on issues of concern.

NAVCA’s briefing highlights the specific problems Part Two of the bill presents for smaller charities and community groups. It argues that smaller organisations are particularly affected by;

The reduction from £10,000 to £5,000 in the threshold.

The widening of the definition of controlled expenditure.

Onerous reporting duties.

The confusion created by the bill.

Joe Irvin, chief executive of NAVCA, said: “This bill threatens the independence of charities and their ability to campaign. It is bad for all charities but also presents specific issues for smaller charities, who will get caught up in election regulations due to the widening of the definition of campaigning and lowering of reporting thresholds.”

“Larger charities have had to seek legal advice to understand this bill. What chance do smaller charities have? This bill places unreasonable burdens on small charities but even more worrying it may deter legitimate campaigns or result in people unwittingly breaking the law.”

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