One in six charities may close

A SIXTH of charities believe it is likely that public-spending cuts and falling donations may force them to close next year, a survey has found.

Two-fifths fear their organisation will fold if the economic situation does not improve, according to the online poll of 252 senior charity workers for the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).

The dire outlook comes as just under half have had to dip into their reserves to stay afloat this year, while more than a quarter have cut front-line services.

John Low, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, said: “Times are tough and people have less money to donate to charities.

“This, combined with significant public spending cuts and increased demand for charity services, is having a shocking
effect on many charities, calling into question their very viability.”