Charity leaders set out the sector's ‘asks’ ahead of Spending Review
Charity finance professionals have written to the Chancellor urging the government to acknowledge charities' vital role in its mission areas and provide sustainable sector funding.
As part of the Civil Society Group (CSG), Charity Finance Group (CFG), the UK's leading membership organisation for charity finance professionals, has written to the Rachel Reeves ahead of the Spending Review in June 2025.
Signed by 22 charity leaders, including the CEOs of NAVCA, ACF, ACEVO, NCVO, SCVO, WCVA and CIoF, the group’s letter sets out 16 recommendations for what it wants to see Labour deliver in its second major fiscal event of their term.
The group is calling on Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, to consider several quick wins – measures that could be implemented in the near-term that are low-cost and impactful.
These include providing match-funding for places or causes crucial to the government’s mission delivery, to show commitment and attract philanthropic investment.
The Chancellor has also been urged to support the appointment o a dedicated philanthropy champion in government to help drive a national conversation on giving, as well as the reinstatement of mandatory reporting of corporate charitable giving to encourage companies to increase their contributions to the voluntary sector.
Rachel Reeves has been urged to instruct the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to use its powers to incorporate philanthropy into continuing professional development (CPD) requirements and the curricula of industry qualifications.
The group has also called on the Chancellor to adequately fund the Charity Commission for England and Wales, whilst urging the devolved authorities to extend similar support to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI).
Alongside these asks, the group has set out a longer-term vision to empower charities to play their full role in delivering public services and strengthening their communities.
The letter states: “In a time of constrained public finances, the voluntary and community sector’s contribution to the government’s missions can be significant. We want to be a part of the widespread societal change that the missions can deliver.”
The group’s longer-term proposals include moving to a more sustainable funding model, to bring greater stability to local councils, and the voluntary and community sector working in partnership with them.
Richard Sagar, Head of Policy at CFG, said: “This spending review submission is an opportunity to highlight the contribution civil society makes to communities across the country, and to the government’s missions.
“Whilst the Chancellor has been clear that the government wants to maintain its fiscal rules, our recommendations could be implemented for little cost, yet could allow charities to maximise their impact.
“The sector continues to face increasing demand for services, whilst managing lower incomes and increased costs – forcing charities to do more with less.
“By offering support for the sector, which delivers around £17bn worth of public services, the government can maximise the positive impact charities can have on the people and causes they serve.”
