Scottish independence: Charities being frozen out

SCOTTISH charities are being frozen out of the independence debate because it is dominated by “party politics and mudslinging”, new research has revealed.

Charities feel that they are being frozen out of the independence debate, new research has revealed. Picture: Reuters

More than half of charities think the independence debate is boring and predictable and failing to address the big issues that matter to people like jobs and poverty, according to a survey published yesterday by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).

Around 40 per cent of charities and third sector organisations remain “completely disengaged” from the debate, the survey of 200 charities and third sector organisations found.

In addition, 70 per cent are not planning to take a position on the referendum in the coming year owing to concerns about alienating funders.

Third sector chiefs are now calling for charities to make their voices heard.

John Downie, director of public affairs at SCVO, said: “These results show that too much party politics, mudslinging and a failure to talk sensibly about big issues have turned charities off the debate about Scotland’s future.

“Neither side has painted a vision of the Scotland that they would like to see.”

Mr Downie called for more “hard facts” to be injected into the debate on key issues such as poverty and inequality.

He said: “The third sector and members of the public are getting the impression that the political parties, MSPs and the Yes and No campaigns are living in a political bubble where their set agendas come first, not the people of Scotland.

“It’s time for the third sector to get more involved and speak up about a whole range of issues that matter to people – from poverty and inequality to social care and giving more power to communities. If we don’t, no one else will.”

A spokesperson for Yes Scotland said: ‘We agree that thepeople of Scotland deserve a positive and inspiring independence debate.

“Charities in Scotland have connections to all parts of Scottish life and are in a unique

position to add considerably to the debate and to help reflect the kind of Scotland people want.”

A Better Together spokesperson said: “Given the importance of the decision we are being asked to make it’s vital that charities get involved.

“It can’t be left to politicians to argue amongst themselves. No matter their view, different voices across society shouldn’t be afraid to speak out.”