How ironic that the Chancellor announces the sugar levy
this week, which is the result of so much campaigning by charities, when his
Cabinet Office colleague Matt Hancock wants to make it impossible for us to do
that in the future. This is just one example of how the Budget today was not so
much a case of jam today, but more of problems down the line.
Compared to four months ago, George cut a dejected figure
at the despatch box. Economic forecasts do not look as good as he hoped. He has
been left with no choice but to ask the Paymaster General to find a further
£3.5 billion of efficiency savings. With government already cut to the quick,
the brunt of these cuts will be left to fall on the moist vulnerable in
society. And who will be left to pick up the pieces? As always, it will be our
nations charities. In the Autumn, George gambled on strong economic forecasts
to avoid austerity. Yesterday, that came back to bite him. While he was able to
find tokens such as money to tackle homelessness, this was balanced out by
severe cuts to disabled people. Ultimately, this was a budget which left our
social fabric weakened.
It was also a budget which underlined the importance of
charity voice. The sugar tax would never have happened were it not for the
countless charities who have raised awareness of this issue. Even some of the
charities which are to be in receipt of income from LIBOR fines and the tampon
tax are known for their advocacy.
And not all of government would have the charity sector
silenced. Yesterday, Lord Hodgson launched his last report into the impact of the
Lobbying Act. This Act was a democratic car crash, and silenced too many
charities around the most recent General Election. I am delighted that Lord
Hodgson has recommended significant reform of the Lobbying Act. This will stop
charities being subject to regulation on the appearance of their campaigns, and
ensure that they are regulated on their intent. I still want to see the
Lobbying Act repealed in its entirety, but these recommendations are a good
first step.
In a week where the Government have taken on board the
suggestions of charity voice, they should heed the lessons outlined by Lord
Hodgson. We need his ideas implemented without delay, and without excuses.
Otherwise, how can charities continue to contribute to the national debate, and
form stronger policy?
