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Help from charities becoming a lottery Help from charities becoming a lottery
(4 months later)
Randeep Ramesh (Society, 15 May) highlights the conflict for charities between campaigning against the outrageous injustice of the government's policy of imposing caps, cuts and council tax on poverty incomes and also being paid by the same government to deliver the policy. He describes the vulnerability of charities' government funding when Tory ministers, "scarred by battles with campaigners", start a "bout of creative destruction". The political activities of charities are also limited by the charity commissioners, who might take exception to trustees engaging in mass civil disobedience against such damaging oppression of the poorest citizens.Randeep Ramesh (Society, 15 May) highlights the conflict for charities between campaigning against the outrageous injustice of the government's policy of imposing caps, cuts and council tax on poverty incomes and also being paid by the same government to deliver the policy. He describes the vulnerability of charities' government funding when Tory ministers, "scarred by battles with campaigners", start a "bout of creative destruction". The political activities of charities are also limited by the charity commissioners, who might take exception to trustees engaging in mass civil disobedience against such damaging oppression of the poorest citizens.
The effect is to weaken the already vulnerable position of the poorest individuals and families, for whom none of the parliamentary parties makes a convincing stand. The poorest are a minority and rarely vote. All of which calls for enough decent people, who understand the injustice being done, to fund politically independent lobbying organisations, which are not charities, whose sole purpose is the eradication of income poverty, the introduction of fair taxes and the provision of decent housing.
Rev Paul Nicolson
Taxpayers Against Poverty		The effect is to weaken the already vulnerable position of the poorest individuals and families, for whom none of the parliamentary parties makes a convincing stand. The poorest are a minority and rarely vote. All of which calls for enough decent people, who understand the injustice being done, to fund politically independent lobbying organisations, which are not charities, whose sole purpose is the eradication of income poverty, the introduction of fair taxes and the provision of decent housing.
Rev Paul Nicolson
Taxpayers Against Poverty
• Your article on voluntary groups (Society, 15 May) shows the growing demand for their services from the most vulnerable in society. While many groups have seen their income from government and other sources dwindle, the National Lottery's contribution has steadily increased. Lottery players raise over £30m each week for good causes. While this is an adjunct to, not a substitute for, public funding, it provides a vital lifeline to groups operating in some of our most deprived neighbourhoods. In fact, all the projects highlighted by Mary O'Hara have received Lottery funding. Whether it's a centre giving advice on employment, a support group for carers, or a social club to reduce isolation for older people, Lottery players should feel proud that they are making such a difference.
Vicki Kennedy
Director, National Lottery Good Causes		• Your article on voluntary groups (Society, 15 May) shows the growing demand for their services from the most vulnerable in society. While many groups have seen their income from government and other sources dwindle, the National Lottery's contribution has steadily increased. Lottery players raise over £30m each week for good causes. While this is an adjunct to, not a substitute for, public funding, it provides a vital lifeline to groups operating in some of our most deprived neighbourhoods. In fact, all the projects highlighted by Mary O'Hara have received Lottery funding. Whether it's a centre giving advice on employment, a support group for carers, or a social club to reduce isolation for older people, Lottery players should feel proud that they are making such a difference.
Vicki Kennedy
Director, National Lottery Good Causes
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