NAVCA Chief Executive Kevin Curley has challenged the decision
by the Office of the Third Sector (OTS) to cancel grants already
awarded under the Campaigning Research Fund, without reasonable
notice or consultation.
OTS admitted that the decision is a breach of the Compact, but
argued that reallocating the £750,000 to the Hardship Fund will
provide more effective support for the third sector during the
recession
In a letter to the Minister for the Third Sector, Angela Smith,
Kevin writes, 'You are our Champion in Government at central and
local levels. You do that job really well. However, this decision
will be seen as bad grant making practice and sets a poor example
to politicians and grant makers in local authorities and other
agencies.'
Compact Voice has called for an independent investigation into the
decision, but the Commission for the Compact has stated that it
does not have the necessary powers to investigate.
Campaigning website Louder has set up an online petition calling
for the funding to be reinstated.
20 November 2009