Political activity ‘OK for charities’

Charities have welcomed new guidelines from the Charity Commission that renege on previous warnings against political campaigns.

The report follows an earlier statement by the commission that political campaigning could result in the loss of charitable status.

The commission said the guidelines had been changed to ‘make it clear to charities that they have flexibility to campaign in support of their aims’. Director of policy and strategy Rosie Chapman said: ‘The briefest glance at the world stage shows how important it is for charities to be able to campaign for change.’

National Council for Voluntary Organisations head of campaigns and comms Chris Stalker said: ‘The guidelines acknowledge the benefits of campaigning as well as the risks.’

Cancer Research UK head of PA Richard Davidson said ‘it is essential [charities’] role in campaigning is not stifled’.

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