We appear to be at yet another political inflection point and it remains unclear what direction the country is heading in. Even so, there are a few specific updates worth recapping.
Parliamentary updates
There was an Early Day Motion (EDM) on improving banking services for charities, a topic we are particularly passionate about at CFG. This is especially timely given that our recent banking survey has just concluded (look out for more on our 2026 banking survey soon!). While the survey highlighted some positive developments, it also reinforced the pressing need to improve knowledge and communication between banks, charities, regulators and government.
The text of the EDM captures the issue well:
"This House recognises the vital role charities play in supporting communities across the UK; notes with concern the widespread banking difficulties facing the charity sector, including account freezes, lost records and barriers to opening new accounts; and further notes that poor banking provision is placing charitable services at risk."
Early Day Motions do not in themselves lead to legislative change. However, they can be useful in demonstrating parliamentary support for an issue and identifying potential champions. You can read more here: EDM 47: tabled on 13 May 2026.
Similarly, Parliamentary Questions (PQs) are not the highest-impact mechanism available, but they can play an important role in building awareness and securing clarification from government. Recent relevant PQs covered the effectiveness of legislation relating to the transparency of charity funding and donations, as well as the accessibility of public procurement processes for VCSE organisations. While neither prompted new policy commitments, both provided an opportunity to place these issues on the record and better understand the Government's current approach.
In addition, there was an update to Charity Commission guidance on making grants to charities and other organisations. The revised guidance brings together trustees' key responsibilities when awarding grants and provides additional advice on making grants to non-charitable organisations, especially where greater risk management may be required. If relevant, do read the updated guidance in full: Making grants to charities and other organisations.
What’s next?
It feels as though there has been a slight ebb in public affairs activity across the board, as many await the outcome of the Makerfield by-election (at the time of writing) and the significant implications it could have for the future direction of both the country and our sector.
With the dust having barely formed, let alone settled, we will be working to get ahead of the many potential policy changes that could affect charities in the months ahead.