Ian Theodoreson, chair of the Charity Finance Group, opened the umbrella body’s 2012 Annual Conference, ‘Inspiring Financial Leadership’, by pulling no punches on the Government’s policy agenda for the sector.

Two years on from the formation of the coalition, charities are facing major challenges. Mixed messages and an unclear policy agenda are not helping.

In a speech to financial leaders in the sector, Ian said that "Government policies have, on the surface, sought to support, nurture and develop our sector but often, once you look under the lid you see the difference they’ll make is marginal."

Speaking about this year's budget, Ian described it as "categorically the worst budget for charities that I have experienced in 25 years in the sector”.

The budget included the highly controversial cap on tax reliefs including charitable donations and removal of the zero rating of VAT for alterations on listed buildings, both of which will hit charities hard.

He said: “If this Government, with its rhetoric on big society, had been seeking to build a ‘special relationship’ with the sector, well this year’s budget has killed that idea.”

Theodoreson also challenged all financial leaders in the sector to “champion these issues within your own organisations and on the wider stage too…finance leaders have a unique contribution to bring to the table…together we can make this a better sector.”

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