It has come to NCVO’s attention that the Government plans to announce today that it is pulling the £750,000 funding for a Campaigning Research Programme to help small charities campaign and advocate for change.

Their efforts were to be monitored as part of research on how small organisations can campaign effectively and how best they can be supported.

Stuart Etherington, chief executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, said: “I am appalled at the decision to withdraw this funding.

“Charities play a critical role in campaigning and advocating for change. Without them, the voices of marginalised people can often go unheard.

“Making this decision at such a late stage has resulted in a complete waste of public funds and time for all involved.”