The Charity Commission have apologised to Social Investigations, following a complaint made about the free market think tank, Reform.
The complaint, which centred around Reform's links to the Conservative party, was met with the extraordinary response that ‘there is no evidence to support the allegations that the Reform Research Trust has links with or promotes the aims and objectives of any political party.’
I replied saying that ‘I must admit, I am rather baffled by this part of the response because the links to the Conservative party are extensive and as far as their powerbase goes, is almost total. I attach the full list of their connections to the Conservative party.’
The complaint, which centred around Reform's links to the Conservative party, was met with the extraordinary response that ‘there is no evidence to support the allegations that the Reform Research Trust has links with or promotes the aims and objectives of any political party.’
I replied saying that ‘I must admit, I am rather baffled by this part of the response because the links to the Conservative party are extensive and as far as their powerbase goes, is almost total. I attach the full list of their connections to the Conservative party.’
The Charity Commission has responded and admitted this statement was false: ‘I should first apologise that my earlier response was perhaps misleading. By saying “the Commission’s findings were that there is no evidence to support the allegations the Reform Research Trust has links with or promotes the aims and objectives of any political party”
I might have suggested that the Commission would be concerned if such links exist. I apologise that my comments might have been confusing.’
I might have suggested that the Commission would be concerned if such links exist. I apologise that my comments might have been confusing.’
Instead I would refer you to the Commission’s conclusions on page 2 of the report under the heading “Allegations of political bias”. You will see that the Commission concluded that there was no evidence to support the allegations of political bias.’
It may well be that the charity has an association with a particular political perspective. However, provided the charity is not promoting a particular political point of view, there are no grounds for the Commission to intervene.’
The apology has been made, but the fact remains that an organisation with clear links to one political party, whose purpose to promote privitisation should not be a charity. The fact that the Commission' rules prevent it from taking action, means their rules are not fit for purpose.
The full links to the Conservative party are here.
For a full list of research looking into Refom, please see here.
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