Charity begins at the cashpoint: Govt urges ‘giving’ culture
By Peter Wozniak
The government has announced plans to encourage people to become more active in giving to charity.
Proposals include a scheme to encourage people to contribute a donation every time they withdraw cash from an ATM or use a card to make a payment.
Cabinet Office minister Frances Maude said a new ‘giving’ culture could generate £4 billion for charitable causes if people agreed to give one per cent of their income.
Other plans in the green paper unveiled today would see £60 million of funding diverted to grants to deprived areas and to match private donations to voluntary projects.
Mr Maude added: “We are arguing for new social attitudes that celebrate giving. Talking about what we do for good causes is often seen as vulgar. But sharing experiences can inspire others.
“Giving is too often caricaturised as worthy and selfless, a one way street, but there’s nothing wrong with doing things for each other and repaying kindnesses.
“We think government can also have a new role, bringing people together to find new ways to support charitable and voluntary action and highlighting the excellent work that is happening already.”
Charitable phone applications and a drive to educate schoolchildren in the benefits of charitable giving are also on the agenda, while some government buildings may be opened up for use by charities.
The plans for “widening access for people to make small charitable donations when paying for goods by cards” could echo existing schemes such as the Pennies Foudation which encourages tiny donations each time a customer uses an ATM.
Meanwhile, staff in No 10 will be among civil servants set to contribute their time and donations to charities decided by votes among staff. A Downing Street spokesman said: “Plans are already underway to enable civil servants to contribute to their communities and develop a ‘civic service’.”
