Speaking truth to power is the most important role that we as voluntary organisations can play. Therefore, NCVO has been – and continues to be – a fierce critic of any attempts to silence the voice of civil society.

On Friday I met with the Leader of the House of Commons, Andrew Lansley, to discuss ‘non-party campaigning’ rules in the lobbying bill, currently passing through Parliament. We believe that the Government’s proposals are damaging and will have a significant effect on campaigning activity.

Following our meeting, the Government has agreed to change the test of whether or not an activity can fall under these rules. I hope this will substantially reduce the risk of our members being inadvertently caught by this legislation.

The revised test should ensure that for the vast majority of charities operating within charity law, their activities should not be subject to registration with the Electoral Commission and therefore the regulation outlined in part two of the Bill.

When the new wording is published we will take legal advice and also urgently seek the view of the Electoral Commission, to ensure that the revised test meets the spirit and the letter of policy intent set out by government.

However we still have significant concerns about other parts of the bill. In particular, that other voluntary organisations without charitable status will be subject to ambiguous and damaging legislation. We also have concerns about the workability of the bill, the discretion given to the Electoral Commission, and the lack of clarity around the new rules.

We will continue vigorously to pursue any other changes that are necessary in order to ensure that this bill does not damage or deter legitimate campaigning.

As ever, you can email me your thoughts on this important issue.

Every best wish,


Sir Stuart Etherington
Chief Executive
National Council for Voluntary Organisations