​Senior charity figure warns parties they ignore the third sector at their peril

The voice of the third sector must not be drowned out in the maelstrom of the General Election battle.

A senior charity figure has warned that voluntary and charitable groups have much to contribute to the core debates of the campaign, such as the economy.

John Low, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), said that unlike the much derided big society, which featured heavily in 2010, policies must take the third sector seriously.

Commenting as the campaign kicked officially on Monday, he said: "As the battle lines are drawn in the run up to the election, one thing that all parties must agree on is the vital importance of a strong and thriving charity sector for the future of our country.

Charities not only provide the vital safety net for many of the most vulnerable in our society, but also help to bolster democracy

John Low, CAF

“Charities have an important stake in debates over the economy, Europe and most other issues and their voice must be heard and listened to.

"The vacuum left by the sidelining of the big society idea, which was centre stage in 2010, has yet to be filled by any party.

“Today, for example, we have a “better plan for business” but where is the strategy for the social sector?

"Charity chiefs tell us that they are pessimistic about government support for civil society and political parties ignore this at their peril. Charities not only provide the vital safety net for many of the most vulnerable in our society, but also help to bolster democracy and strengthen our ties in communities.

"A diminished civil society would have disastrous consequences for all citizens across the UK."

CAF is a charity which helps people and businesses support the causes they care about and provides financial services designed for the charitable sector.