The majority of people in the UK think charities are in the best position to speak up for vulnerable citizens

Charities are trusted more than religious leaders or politicians to speak up for the most disadvantaged in society, according to new research.

The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) also found that charities are more trusted than civil servants and think tanks and are considered the best people to speak to government on behalf vulnerable children and adults, homeless people and unemployed jobseekers.

The research is unveiled in CAF’s Charity Street II report, which outlines how the public think about and use voluntary services. It updates CAF’s first Charity Street report, which was published two years ago.

We at SMK believe this report presents a clear mandate for charities to be able to campaign, without fear of sanction or censure - Sue Tibballs

Campaigning bodies welcomed the news that three-quarters of people trust charities to speak up for disadvantaged groups the most, compared to just 3% who trust MPs the most. It comes within a year of the Cabinet Office introducing a gagging clause into contracts, forbidding charities from criticising government.

Sue Tibballs, chief executive of campaigning body the Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK), said: “At a time when the legitimacy of charity campaigning has been called into question, this report provides powerful new evidence of the important role charities play advocating on behalf of the public.

“Indeed, no other sector enjoys such a close relationship with people and communities, and has their trust to speak on their behalf. We at SMK believe this report presents a clear mandate for charities to be able to campaign, without fear of sanction or censure.”

Martin Sime, chief executive of Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, has also been particularly outspoken about the right of charities to lobby government.

He said: “We are fortunate in Scotland that the role of Scottish charities in holding government and politicians to account is recognised and supported. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed there will be no gagging clauses when she spoke at this year’s Gathering.

“The UK government should take heed of CAF’s latest findings when considering any further attempts to muzzle criticism from our sector.”

The CAF report also finds that across the UK there has been an increase in the use of charity services since 2014, with almost every household (98%) now reporting to have used a charity at some point, and five out of six (83%) having used a charity service in the last 12 months.

On average people had used about six charitable services in the past year.

Young people are the most likely age group to have used a charity service in the last year, with nearly nine out of ten (88%) 18-24 year olds having done so.

They are also twice as likely as average to use charities to receive counselling, mental health support and medical care or stay in a charity run hostel.

People living in the UK’s most deprived areas use fewer charities than those living in the most advantaged areas, but they are the more likely to view them as essential or very important to their lives. They are also the most likely to have accessed counselling, housing or advice services provided by a charity or seek out information from a charity website.

Susan Pinkney, head of research at CAF, said: “Charity use is on the rise. Let’s use this fact to celebrate them, use them, work for them, volunteer with them, and donate to them. At a time when community and togetherness has been shaken, looking towards our charities in the community can be a great way to rebuild our confidence in each other.”