Charities: Government Grants

Debate between Lord Bridges of Headley and Lord Dubs

Wednesday 10th February 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Bridges of Headley]

Part of the process that we are trying to ensure is that these grants are properly audited and that we know exactly where the money goes. Regarding the salaries that charities pay to their senior employees, that is obviously a matter for the charities, but I am sure that they will be noting the considerable public scrutiny that they are under—and rightly so.

[Lord Dubs (Lab)]

My Lords, will the Minister accept that there is a world of difference between money going from government to a charity for project work and money that the charity earns by its own fundraising? Surely the fundraised money should be used for purposes not covered by what the Minister said, and charities should be free to spend their money for advocacy as they think fit.

[Lord Bridges of Headley]

That is exactly right and that is what they will continue to be able to do.