# Guidance for charities in the run-up to a general election

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2005/04/04/guidance-charities-runup-general-election/
- Published: 2005-04-04T23:00:00+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

![](https://www.fundraising.co.uk/files/images/news/3084.jpg)

With the date for the general election about to be announced, the Charity Commission
has reminded charities about what constitutes acceptable political activity in the
circumstances.
The Charity Commission’s guidance to charities on political activity
is designed to help them decide what is, and what isn’t, appropriate in the run-
up to a general election. The Commission has issued the reminder to help charities
maintain their independence and help ensure they can continue to use their voice
effectively during pre-election time.

The Commission reminded charities on several key points:

 * when promoting a policy similar to that of a particular political party make 
   sure the charity’s position is independent from that of the individual parties–
   promoting only the interests of its beneficiaries
 * when inviting candidates to speak on particular issues the charity is promoting
   they should strive to ensure balanced political representation
 * charities must not help candidates with their election campaigns, whether financially
   or in other ways

There are also a number of recommendations for charities concerning publicity, the
use of their premises and other relevant legislation.

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Full details are published in ‘Charities and elections’, available from the Charity
Commission’s website. The advice should be

read in conjunction with ‘Campaigning and political activities by charities’ (CC9)
also by the Charity Commission.

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