Should there be public funding for political Parties?
Posted by Jonathan R Shaw, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, at 12:38, Mon 18 September 2006:
The press cover about how political parties raise cash has been wide spread. I am yet to reach a firm position on we should follow other countries and provide political parties with a level of public funds.
I would appreciate your comments.
Jonathan
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Posted by Brenda Dowle, 13:04, Mon 18 September 2006: (Is this post abusive?) #
I would agree with a level of funding which is equal for all parties,according to their numbers of canidates standing
Posted by Hywel Thomas, 14:40, Mon 18 September 2006: (Is this post abusive?) #
Dear Jonathan,
As you have asked, this is what I'd do...
No limits on donations. It's a nice idea, but I don't think it's workable. Donations must be from personal taxed sources (Only cheques from UK bank accounts if that's possible). Donations must not be directly from organisations (Unions, companies etc). Donations must be anonymous. The collection and distribution would be done through a state funded intermediary. Leaking details of donations should be very harshly penalised - but under exisiting legislation please !
Basically, the parties know how much money they get, but not where it came from. Big contributors don't get to buy favours of parties.
I hope that's food for thought.
Best Regards,
Hywel Thomas
Posted by Christian Caruana, 18:50, Thu 21 September 2006: (Is this post abusive?) #
Hi Johnathan and other constituents,
I feel that there needs be a transparent system of donation with no back door funding such as loans.
I feel that it would be OK for declared amounts with named individuals and organisations to fund this, NOT public money.
All the Best,