Greetings!

The new chair of NCVO has used the organisation's Christmas reception to have a dig at the country's national media and make the point that its focus on bad news is doing nothing to further the Big Society. Meanwhile the latest incarnation of the Compact has finally been published, along with a pledge that the National Audit Office will review its use by government next year.

NCVO chair slams national press for ignoring work in the charity sector

Martyn Lewis, chair of NCVO has criticised the UK national media for its lack of coverage on the voluntary sector.

Commission could charge large charities £5,000 a year

Charity Commission chief executive Sam Younger says charging charities an annual fee in order to help fund the regulator is "something we need to look hard at", but it would require legislative change.

Renewed Compact now published

The Commission for the Compact  stands by its earlier comments that the renewed Compact has been "significantly weakened" by changes made by the coalition government, after the agreement was launched last night.

Localism Bill will 'remove barriers' for civil society

The Localism Bill put to parliament this week by the coalition government will "remove barriers" for the sector, if the right assistance is provided, the Social Investment Business' chief executive, Jonathan Lewis has said.

Social returns are ok, says Commission's new investment guidance

The Charity Commission has produced new guidance clarifying that it is amenable to allowing charities to choose investments that provide social as well as purely financial benefits.

Court gives reasons for dismissing RSPCA appeal

The Court of Appeal has published its reasons for rejecting the RSPCA's appeal against the High Court's decision to overturn the will of Mrs Joyce Gill.