Estimated government spending on the third sector rose faster than overall spending between 2000 and 2004, according to figures compiled by Charities Aid Foundation for the government.

The reports show that in 2003/04, central government spending on the third sector was approximately £4.9 bn, and the local government contribution stood at £4.3bn.

Though the figures are based on estimates, they also indicated that there has been a shift in spending patterns, with the greater proportion of the total funding being channelled through local government.