So, in its desperation, the Government is considering a scheme whereby we would all be 'asked' to donate to charity every time we use our bank cards or cash machines, fill in tax returns or apply for passports or driving licences. Additionally, and joy of all joys, should anyone lucky enough to win a big Lottery prize give a chunk of it to 'Good Causes', they would receive, wait for it, a thank-you letter from a Minister ! WOW !!!
Before we all get carried away with excitement, let's pause for thought.
Charities are usually set up to fill gaps in areas where Government can't or won't provide particular services.
Before the Lottery was introduced, the 'Good Causes' were generally recipients of largesse from Government.
Government decides what is, and what is not, a 'Good Cause'.
Anyone shaking a tin under your nose in a public place is doing something illegal - they are begging.
What this adds up to is that the Government is actually considering the creation of a state-sponsored system of legalised begging, set up to provide funds for those services that it no longer wishes to provide itself, the funds accruing from the National Lottery no longer being sufficient.
Not bloody likely. When I give to charity, it's for something I, not the Government, believe in, it's on my terms and at a time of my choosing. These proposals are nothing less than the nationalisation of charitable giving and should be thrown out without further ado.
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