NHS CHARITY CLIMBDOWN WELCOME

12.00.00am GMT Sat 6th Feb 2010

Commenting on the news that the Treasury has postponed the implementation of new accounting rules that would have led to the consolidation of NHS Charity funds with those of their partner NHS bodies, Jenny Willott, Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet Office Minister, who led the campaign in Parliament to fight against the measure, said:

"This climb-down is extremely welcome and a victory for common sense. After 18 months of burying their head in the sand, the government seems to be finally listening.

"Consolidating charitable funds into the accounts of NHS bodies would have completely undermined the independence of those charities and the confidence of donors. What's more it would have left the door-wide open for potential manipulation of NHS budgets.

"The funds of NHS Charities must remain entirely separate from those of the state."