We were shocked and disappointed to hear that a decision had
been made to cancel the Campaigning Research programme, especially
as the decision was made so late in the day and with no
consultation.
Kevin Curley, Chief Executive of NAVCA, has written to Angela
Smith MP, the Third Sector Minister to express our disappointment,
saying:
"NAVCA had promoted the programme and helped many local charities
and community groups to submit proposals. These organisations will
think it is now unfair and unreasonable to take their grants
away."
Angela Smith has met with a number of stakeholders including
Compact Voice, NCVO, and the Chair of the Third Sector Advisory
Board to discuss ways to reassert the Government's commitment to
the Compact. She acknowledged the impact of the breach of the
Compact which occurred when she took the decision to divert funding
away from the Campaigning Fund and a statement is now on the OTS
website:
Moving Forward with the Compact.
13 November 2009
Updated 22 December 2009