Charity isn't independent so long as it takes the government's cash...

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It may be the effect of opposition but Labour folk are keen to see the "third sector" distance itself from government. Here's the fresh new MP for Wigan:

"The Labour government treated the third sector like a third arm of the state and I was troubled by that," she said. "I thought it was problematic. Delivering government services means you have to agree with the government about how those services should be run."

As they say, Lisa, 'he who pays the piper calls the tune'!

Despite this the sector seems ever more conflicted over its relationship with government - sure, charities, social enterprises and such want to be 'independent' but they also seem to be firmly attached to the teat of public money. You cannot have it both ways - you can't take the government's money and then campaign against that government's policies.

So if you want an independent voice of advocacy on behalf of your beneficiaries then stop taking the government's cash, stop being sub-contractors to the state and raise your money privately from people who actually support your aims. Simple really!

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