Lord Kamall confirmed as civil society minister

22 Sep 2022 News

Lord Kamall

GOV.UK

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has confirmed that Lord Kamall is to become minister for civil society.

Nigel Huddleston was moved from his role as civil society minister after less than a year in the post, as part of prime minister Liz Truss’ reshuffle. He is to become a government whip.

Lord Kamall was appointed Parliamentary under secretary of state at DCMS on 20 September and DCMS has now confirmed he will hold the civil society and young persons brief.

He is professor of politics and international relations at St Mary’s University, Twickenham and was previously an academic and research director at the Institute of Economic Affairs, co-chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists and leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament.

According to the UK Parliament register on interests, Lord Kammall has been a trustee at Kitchen Table Charities Trust, which was established to aid those small charities lacking in the ability to raise funds themselves.

The Charity Commission states its charity reporting is overdue by 145 days, but no longer lists him as a trustee.

Sarah Vibert, chief executive at NCVO, said: "Charities offer vital support and essential services to communities across the UK. They will play a crucial role in getting people through the cost of living crisis and driving future growth and prosperity in our economy.

"We look forward to working with Lord Kamall to ensure charities are able to support communities through the challenging few months ahead."

Clare Mills, director of policy and communications, at Charity Finance Group, said: "We welcome Lord Kamall as the new minister responsible for charities. We look forward to working with him and DCMS on many issues relating to charity regulation, finance and leadership. His experience as a charity trustee and his background as an economist will be of value in his new role.

"We would like to thank Lord Kamall's predecessor, Nigel Huddleston MP, for the work that was taken forward during his time at the department, and for working with the sector on our Encouraging Giving communications campaign."

New charity tax minister

Meanwhile, Felicity Buchan was appointed as exchequer secretary to the Treasury, which will give her responsibility for charity tax issues.

Kensington MP and former investment banker Buchan took over from Alan Mak, who had been in post for two months, earlier in September.

Charity Tax Group chair Richard Bray said the organisation would work “engage constructively” with Buchan.

“At a time of unprecedented fiscal pressure on charities we will lobby for a tax system that helps charities rather than hinders them,” he said.

“This includes the Future of Gift Aid project to make Gift Aid fit for purpose in the digital age. We also encourage the minister to support the charities during the cost of living crisis and beyond by introducing a lower rate of VAT for charities on their purchases.”
 

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