Menu
22/11/2011
Commons Plans To Reject Party Funding Reform
The top three parties in the House of Commons are expected to reject the independent proposals to reform and cap party funding and donations.
This week, the Committee on Standards in Public Life published its findings on political donations, saying that the only safe way to remove "big money" from party funding is to put a cap on donations, set at £10,000.
The committee said they were conscious that the effects of a cap on the finances of the largest parties will be significant, but they expected parties to respond by cutting their spending, particularly their spending on campaigning, and to step up their efforts to engage with a larger number of individual supporters.
Meanwhile, the plan also includes changes to those paying the union political levy, which requires an "opt out" to stop a contribution going to the Labour Party. This will be changed to an "opt in", under the new arrangements.
However, both the Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem parties have each indicated they would not support the recommendations.
Michael Dugher MP, Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Office Minister, said that the party "remains committed" to further reform of party funding, but wanted to so on a cross-party basis and that the public has "a big say in all of this".
The committee found that polling shows the public do indeed want big money removed from politics and 42% of voters believe donations of more than £100,000 are designed "to gain access and influence over the party".
However, switching the blame to the conservative party, a non-committal Mr Dugher said: “It is matter of great regret that the Conservative Party has refused to even accept a £10,000 cap on donations or proper expenditure controls.
"We believe further consideration should be given to tighter controls on spending and whether the proposed cap is set too high. We also have concerns about the proposed treatment of affiliation fees from trade union members."
(DW)
This week, the Committee on Standards in Public Life published its findings on political donations, saying that the only safe way to remove "big money" from party funding is to put a cap on donations, set at £10,000.
The committee said they were conscious that the effects of a cap on the finances of the largest parties will be significant, but they expected parties to respond by cutting their spending, particularly their spending on campaigning, and to step up their efforts to engage with a larger number of individual supporters.
Meanwhile, the plan also includes changes to those paying the union political levy, which requires an "opt out" to stop a contribution going to the Labour Party. This will be changed to an "opt in", under the new arrangements.
However, both the Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem parties have each indicated they would not support the recommendations.
Michael Dugher MP, Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Office Minister, said that the party "remains committed" to further reform of party funding, but wanted to so on a cross-party basis and that the public has "a big say in all of this".
The committee found that polling shows the public do indeed want big money removed from politics and 42% of voters believe donations of more than £100,000 are designed "to gain access and influence over the party".
However, switching the blame to the conservative party, a non-committal Mr Dugher said: “It is matter of great regret that the Conservative Party has refused to even accept a £10,000 cap on donations or proper expenditure controls.
"We believe further consideration should be given to tighter controls on spending and whether the proposed cap is set too high. We also have concerns about the proposed treatment of affiliation fees from trade union members."
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 April 2012
Charities Survey Shows Fear Over Tax Relief Cap
A survey carried out by the Charities Aid Foundation has found nine out of ten charities fear government plans to limit tax relief will result in a drop in donations from wealthy benefactors.
Charities Survey Shows Fear Over Tax Relief Cap
A survey carried out by the Charities Aid Foundation has found nine out of ten charities fear government plans to limit tax relief will result in a drop in donations from wealthy benefactors.
20 March 2006
Plans to ban 'secret' party loans
Secret loans to political parties could be outlawed under new legislation proposed by the Lord Chancellor as the row over the 'cash-for-peerages' scandal continues. Lord Falconer has suggested that a ban should be introduced to the Electoral Administration Bill which is currently going through Parliament.
Plans to ban 'secret' party loans
Secret loans to political parties could be outlawed under new legislation proposed by the Lord Chancellor as the row over the 'cash-for-peerages' scandal continues. Lord Falconer has suggested that a ban should be introduced to the Electoral Administration Bill which is currently going through Parliament.
03 December 2007
More Questions Than Answers On Labour Party Donations
The Government is to have no respite from the growing chorus of questions on party funding activities. Opposition parties have continued to maintain pressure on the Labour party funding issue, demanding to be told who knew about donations to the party.
More Questions Than Answers On Labour Party Donations
The Government is to have no respite from the growing chorus of questions on party funding activities. Opposition parties have continued to maintain pressure on the Labour party funding issue, demanding to be told who knew about donations to the party.
23 June 2003
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
21 March 2006
Labour to change party funding system
Labour's National Executive Committee is to take responsibility for party funding, following the recent row over 'loans-for-peerages'. Following a meeting at 10 Downing Street, the NEC issued a statement saying that it would resume its "rightful responsibility" for overseeing all matters of party funding.
Labour to change party funding system
Labour's National Executive Committee is to take responsibility for party funding, following the recent row over 'loans-for-peerages'. Following a meeting at 10 Downing Street, the NEC issued a statement saying that it would resume its "rightful responsibility" for overseeing all matters of party funding.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
