Former Head of the Civil Service criticises government plan to cut party funding

Lord Kerslake, former Head of the Civil Service (2012-2014), has criticised the Government’s plans to cut Short money and change trade union funding.

Lord Kerslake is a crossbencher. Appearing on BBC Sunday Politics he said the Government’s plans signalled “a worryingly authoritarian streak in government” that finds it difficult to accept challenge. He said everyone, regardless of party affiliation, should be concerned about the changes. He voiced similar concerns at the start of the year.

The Government are planning to cut Short money by 19% . This is the allowance given to all opposition parties to help them carry out their parliamentary business. It’s considered by some as a concession for not having the Civil Service. The Government are also changing trade union funding, which could see Labour lose up to £8 million a year. 

The changes to trade union funding are contained in the Trade Union Bill. They will change the way union members pay into the political fund, every five years members will have to give written agreement to opt into paying the political levy. Under the current system they have to opt out.

Iain McNicol, General Secretary of the Labour Party, also slammed the Government’s plans.  Appearing on BBC Sunday Politics, McNicol said that they way the Government are pushing through the changes is unprecedented: “If you look at any previous agreement which changed the funding of a political party is was done on a consensual cross part basis because of the effect it had.”

McNicol said it could have a significant impact on the Labour Party’s ability to function as an effective opposition “It would be very difficult for the party, a cut of 25%-30% of our annual funding would mean we can’t operate in the current way we do, holding the Government to account as her majesty’s opposition. It is just unfair and unjust”.

Angela Smith, the Shadow Leader in the House of Lords, also attacked the changes. She called for an “independent committee to investigate what the government is trying to do”.