With the launch of manifestos in the run up to the general election on 7 May, a new survey by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has warned of a disconnect between charities and politics.

In response, CAF has called on all political parties to ensure that they clearly articulate their vision for the future of the charity sector.

Just 2 per cent of charities responding to an online survey conducted by CAF between 19 May and 8 April believe that parties are communicating their policies for the future of the sector effectively. Two-thirds of the 334 interviewed say that politicians do not understand how important charities are in Britain today.

Most charities and voluntary groups have little idea what each party’s priorities are for the voluntary sector and so it is hardly surprising that the recent Social Landscape 2015 study revealed 59 per cent of charity chief executives are pessimistic about Government support for the sector.

Commenting on the survey’s findings, John Low, Chief Executive of CAF said: “It is vital that each party gives due prominence to the role of charities and the essential contribution that they make in communities across the country.

“Many charities remain wary of politics and government and we are still waiting to see a coherent debate emerge about the future of the voluntary sector. Charities rely on government to create a positive climate in which they can operate and we hope that each party uses their manifesto to explain to charities how their plans would help create a thriving civil society.”

Charities looking at ways to develop may find it helpful to discuss their options and financial issues with professional advisers that specialise in this area. For more information on how Milsted Langdon’s charities team can help, please contact us.