Hung parliament leaves everybody, including civil society, hanging

Following the shock result of a hung parliament in the General Election, the charity Directory of Social Change (DSC) calls for a refreshed and more engaged approach to civil society from party leaders, one which recognises the critical role charities, social enterprises and community organisations play across a plethora of social issues.

Commenting on the election outcome this morning, Jay Kennedy, DSC’s Director of Policy and Research said ‘These are the times we live in – where making political predictions is a dangerous business. One of the few certainties we have is that Rob Wilson will not continue on as charities minister – he lost his seat.’

He went on to say ‘We could wind up with a minority government, a coalition government, or even another election! Whatever the outcome, it’s obviously vital that the country has a functioning national government that can tackle some big issues like social care, security, social cohesion, health, and of course Brexit – none of which can be effectively addressed without a strong and supported voluntary sector. ‘

‘It’s vital that whatever government we eventually get looks to charities and wider civil society for answers. It needs to be a listening, engaging government. Such massive challenges simply can’t be overcome with a ‘government knows best’ approach. How quickly – and indeed whether – the charities minister post is replaced, and by whom, will signal how serious they are about doing this.’

For more information please contact Jay Kennedy, Director of Policy and Research, Directory of Social Change, at [email protected] or 07989 187 537

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Notes to editors:

• Founded in 1974, the Directory of Social Change (DSC) is a national charity which supports an independent voluntary sector through campaigning, training and publications. DSC is the largest supplier of information and training to the voluntary sector, and its work helps tens of thousands of organisations every year achieve their aims. Learn more at www.dsc.org.uk