Politicians can do more to encourage public generosity, says Beth Breeze
Howard Lake | 8 June 2011 | News
Although a voluntary activity, politicians can and should do more to encourage public giving to charity. That’s the message that Dr Beth Breeze from the Centre on Philanthropy, Humanitarianism and Social Justice (CPHSJ) at the University of Kent will present to MPs today at a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Civil Society (APPG)
Her message is that, given there are only three things people can do with their money – spend it, save it or give it away, the task for politicians is to make this third option as easy and attractive as possible.
She will present MPs with practical suggestions such as creating bigger and better tax breaks for donors; funding groups that promote philanthropy; passing robust regulation to increase trust and confidence in charities; and enhancing the visibility of philanthropists by celebrating those who make significant contributions.
Dr Breeze will address the APPG in the House of Commons. The APPG consists of MPs, Peers and representatives from the charity sector who meet regularly to discuss issues of common interest. Their June meeting is focusing on incentives to giving and the respective roles of the state and the sector.
www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/appg
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.