Writing this editorial is a bit tricky. At the time of writing, it is late October but the printing process has to begin exactly one week before the new government’s first budget. So, by the time that you sit down and read this, the budget will have already have taken place and you will know exactly what Rachel Reeves had in the famous red box.
This means that the budget is unfortunately absent from this issue. Any predictions would be rendered unhelpful as soon as published but we cannot cover the outcome of the budget either.
Rest assured that in the December issue, we will be putting the budget under the spotlight. It may seem like this is a long time after the event but we will have more time to give some consideration to the budget and its implications for the charity sector. It is quite often the case with budgets that more time to reflect brings light to things that were not immediately apparent, such as unintended consequences (both positive and negative) for the sector from changes not directly aimed at it.
What I can say is that the budget is the first major political and economic opportunity for the new Starmer government to show its future plans and approach to governing.
Many charities hope that this approach will include a closer working relationship with the sector, utilising the expertise it has to shape government policy.
The Covenant which was announced last month is designed, in the words of the prime minister, as a “fundamental reset” in the relationship between the sector and government.
It is still in its draft form and there is still the chance to influence its outcome. NCVO has called for feedback on the draft.
We are still in the early days of this government and it has a lot of issues, both at home and abroad, that it needs to tackle. Charities have the ability to help affect change to improve the lives of many.
It certainly appears that the government is open to listening to them. So, the sector should grasp the opportunity to make the most of the situation before the political will disappear or other pressing items take priority on the agenda.
Because if any government of any political stance can harness the power of charities, then society as a whole stands to benefit.
Tristan Blythe is editor of Charity Finance
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