Oral Answers to Questions

Charlie Elphicke Excerpts

Wednesday 10th September 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Newmark]

This allegation has been investigated by the grants manager, and appropriate action to recover any funds not spent in line with the grant agreement is being taken.

[Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con)]

2. What assessment he has made of the scope of the Charity Commission guidance on campaigning and political activity; and if he will make a statement.

[The Minister for Civil Society (Mr Brooks Newmark)]

Charities play an important role in shaping Government policy. Indeed, Departments are working on the development and implementation of many our policies. However, it has long been the case that the law and Charity Commission guidance prohibits charities from party political campaigning and activities. I believe that that is the right position.

[Charlie Elphicke]

Does the Minister nevertheless agree that it would be right to return to the Charity Commission guidance of 2004, which ensured that charities focused on social justice and helping people in need on the front line, not on big marketing budgets and playing party politics?

[Mr Newmark]

The Charity Commission’s guidance is clear about what charities can and cannot do and reflects the commission’s view of the underlying law. The guidance was last reviewed in 2009. The Charity Commission has said that it keeps all its guidance under review to ensure that it remains relevant and up to date, but it has no immediate plans to amend its guidance on campaigning and political activity.