Gordon Hunter thinks the Charity Commission's new focus could be to redefine what a charity is in the wake of the quango cull.

What is a non-governmental organisation? Clearly, one that is very closely connected with government.

It will be controlled (like the Big Lottery) and/or funded (the Charity Commission) by government.  It will be a graduate of Sam Younger's school of state contracting. Its outputs will be dictated by government (think DAI, funded by the USA International Development Agency).

Its outputs are likely, therefore, to be top-down rather than based on benevolent motives and an analysis of need. 

It may (increasingly) be a private company, possibly with a social mission bolted on. 

It may, if government dictates, change its title from 'quango' to 'charity', a post-cull safety net for some of the Comprehensive Spending Review targets.

It's not obvious what is and what isn't charitable. Maybe we should look at definitions. Might we differentiate between government contractors (instruments of the state) and community action groups (servants of the people)?   

This would be a worthwhile starter for Sam's 400 staff.  Better still, put it out to tender.