Allia’s 2015 manifesto calls on the next government to drive forward legislation and deliver political support for UK social ventures
(Image removed)Allia, a charity providing incubation and finance solutions for social ventures, has published a manifesto asking policy makers in all political parties to support and nurture organisations dedicated to creating social benefit.
The manifesto, Helping Social Ventures Flourish, calls on the future government to swiftly pass growth-promoting laws that support social ventures, legislate for improved access to appropriate finance and commit to sustained political support for the duration of the next parliament and beyond. The manifesto states that these reforms will help to challenge the inequalities in society, build social fabric and drive economic health across the UK.
Social enterprises make up 15% of SMEs and contribute £55 billion to the UK economy. While previous governments have achieved much to support social ventures, Allia argues that there is still much to be done if the UK is to remain the centre of excellence for social enterprise and social investment within the G8.
Commenting on the content of the manifesto, Tim Jones, Allia’s CEO said: “Supporting social ventures in the UK will be the single most cost-effective solution for social wellbeing over the term of the next parliament. Ensuring appropriate legislation and supportive infrastructure must therefore be a central policy priority for the future UK Government, and the Allia manifesto sets out clear proposals for key practical steps.”
Allia’s manifesto presents a series of requests within six areas:
- Charity bonds
- Tax incentives for investors
- A supportive regulatory environment
- Social enterprise zones
- Government support for social venture hot-housing
- Tax incentives for corporate-social venture skills transfer
You can download the manifesto at http://allia.org.uk/latest-news/2015/01/26/helping-social-ventures-flourish/
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