Breaking big money’s grip on politics

Donate today to help break big money's grip on politics and your gift will be doubled through the Big Give.

Situation

81% of UK millionaires think extreme wealth buys political influence whilst 81% of the British public think political governance needs to be improved. Political influence and decisions that impact everyday aspects of our lives – housing, health, education, climate – should be made in the public interest. We need to make sure that voters have the power in our democracy. It shouldn't be in the hands of a very small group of powerful people. This is a problem that can no longer be ignored.

Solution

We will use research and investigations to build the evidence of undue influence of big money in British politics. We will use this to inform public and parliamentary debate with the aim of securing stronger legal controls and practices in political financing. We will then work with our wider civil society partners, through established partnerships with media, parliamentarians and government ministers to inform the development of a new elections bill before parliament.

Campaign Aims

• Secure a limit on the amount any one individual or company can donate, reducing dependency on a small group of wealthy backers
• Ensure the UK Government legislates to lower spending limits at elections, reducing the cost of politics and need for big donations

Campaign Budget

• £10,000 – Could ensure the development of 2-3x highly specialised investigation packages
• £10,000 – Could enable the coordination of 4+ civil society/parliamentary events/ workshops
• £5,000 – Could support our researchers to build an evidence base with, briefing packs for MPs
• £5,000 – Could develop an engagement plan for the media/MPs/Government ministers/civil society 

Understanding the Target

Any amount of funding from the Big Give will supplement and better enable our essential programmatic work. It will ultimately support out campaign and targeted advocacy in securing legislative change that helps to reduce the issue of big money in politics.

Impact

The current Government made a commitment to protect our democracy by strengthening the rules around donations. We can seize this opportunity to increase public confidence that politics can work for everyone, regardless of how much money they have – and tangibly level the playing field by limiting the amount any one individual or company can donate. Success will ensure policy making is less vulnerable to influence from those with deep pockets and build more trust and integrity in politics.

Reporting

We will publish an impact report, highlighting progress towards change in legislation and formal/informal feedback from our partners and those we are seeking to engage. We will also monitor, and track commitments made in the media from key political figures and ultimately evidence of reductions in political spending, as well as a broadening of the field of those who are making political donations.