By Howard Lent

The Charity Finance Directors' Group (CFDG) will be holding an election debate on 24th February 2010, giving its members an opportunity to raise their issues with key political figures in the run up to the general election.

The debate will have a 'Question Time' format and will be chaired by Kim Catcheside, BBC Education Correspondent and CFDG trustee. Questions from CFDG members will be directed to a panel of spokespeople on the third sector from the three major parties:

• Angela Smith MP, Minister for the Third Sector
• Nick Hurd MP, Shadow Minister for Charities, Social Enterprise and Volunteering
• Jenny Willott MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

CFDG's acting chief executive, David Membrey says, "We expect a lively debate that tackles the key issues affecting the sector. The ongoing impacts of the recession and prospective public funding cuts are of real concern to our members, and they will be asking tough questions."

CFDG will be undertaking a variety of work in the context of the election, using the opportunity it provides to bring the issues of its members to the attention of leading decision-makers.

Activities will include a manifesto highlighting members' key issues, an Election Watch http://www.cfdg.org.uk/cfdg/influencing_election_watch.asp?dm_i=5X9,33RS,NBNP8,9PU8,1 and meeting policy makers.

Home     More News


Other stories you may find of interest:

2010 Budget: cautiously positive from the sector
The chancellor's 2010 Budget received a cautiously positive response from the sector. The Government announced in the 2010 Budget Report that following a judgement by the European Court of Justice in January 2009, UK charity tax relief's will be extended to charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs in the EU and in the European Economic Area countries of Norway and Iceland. In his Budget, the chancellor also announced the budget deficit had gone down from £178bn to £163bn, and cut growth forecasts. On public spending, he announced £5 billion in savings

Report: Drug services need to adapt to diverse communities
The latest UK Drug Policy Commission (UKDPC) report, published today, finds drug services of ‘little relevance’ to many in Britain’s diverse communities, including LGBT groups, disabled people and BME communities. The review The Impact of Drugs on Different Minority Groups: A review of the UK Literature, led by UKDPC Commissioner Professor Baroness Haleh Afshar, argues that a better understanding of drug use within diverse minority communities is needed to reduce drug problems and could also provide warning of ‘new’ or emergent patterns of drug use.

Sector unease at Emergency Budget
The sector has revealed its unease at the Con-Lib Coalition's Emergency Budget. Acevo chief executive Stephen Bubb has highlighted how the most vulnerable will be worst hit by the Emergency Budget and the Charity Tax Group has warned that the increase in the standard rate of VAT from 17.5% to 20% from 4 January 2011 will increase the ax burden of charities by at least £150 million per year. Urban Forum chief executive, Toby Blume, warned the Coalition Government’s emergency budget will hit poorer people hardest, and will place “tremendous strain” on services provided by charities and community groups.

IP Solutions