Catholics in Fundraising responds to Chancellor's 2026 Spring Statement

Source: Catholics in Fundraising

Catholics in Fundraising (CiF) has expressed concern following the Chancellor's 2026 Spring Statement, warning that the economic outlook risks placing further strain on churches, charities and the communities they serve.

With UK growth forecast at just one per cent, CiF notes that this already lacklustre outlook does not fully reflect the scale of current global shocks, including the impact of the Iran war on energy markets. The renewed surge in energy prices has also dashed expectations of an imminent UK interest rate cut, further tightening conditions for households and charitable organisations alike.

CiF believes the Spring Statement represents a missed opportunity to stimulate economic growth at a time when the country faces a renewed and damaging oildriven cost crisis. Forecasts showing taxes rising to 38 per cent of GDP by 2030-31, an alltime high, alongside public debt remaining at around 95 per cent of GDP underline the difficult fiscal environment charities will be operating in over the coming years.

Growing pressures on charities and churches

The charity sector is already experiencing the impact of rising costs and increasing need. Higher energy prices will significantly affect churches and charities struggling with heating bills, as well as those running vehicle fleets to deliver frontline services to vulnerable people.

At the same time, rising unemployment is expected to increase demand for charitable support, placing additional pressure on organisations.

There are also growing concerns around voluntary income. Many generous donors may be forced to reduce discretionary giving as household finances tighten, a trend already highlighted in recent philanthropy research, including the Barclays 2025 Philanthropy Report.

Matt Parkes, trustee of Catholics in Fundraising, said: "The Chancellor's Spring Statement paints a worrying picture for churches and charities. With growth stuck at just one per cent and energy prices surging again due to global conflict, many organisations will be facing rising costs at the very moment demand for their services increases.

For churches and charities, higher heating and transport costs are not abstract economic indicators, they translate directly into difficult decisions about what services can be sustained. At the same time, unemployment and financial pressure on households mean more people will turn to charities for help, just as some donors are forced to cut back.

This is a critical moment for the sector. We need to be honest about the challenges ahead, but also proactive in equipping fundraisers with the insight and skills they need to continue delivering vital services to those most in need."

Supporting fundraisers through uncertainty

In response to these challenges, Catholics in Fundraising is urging fundraisers to prioritise learning, collaboration and strategic planning. CiF's 9th June Conference at St George's Cathedral, Southwark, will focus on the latest economic and charitysector trends, alongside practical "how to" sessions designed to help organisations mitigate economic pressures while continuing to serve their missions effectively.

The conference will bring together fundraisers, leaders and sector experts to share insight, tools and encouragement at a time when resilient and ethical fundraising has never been more important.

Conference booking information: www.ticketsource.co.uk/catholics-in-fundraising/t-zozyrjq

Catholics in Fundraising is the UK's leading network for Catholics working in fundraising. It aims to build a strong community of like-minded individuals, offer insights into best practices, and encourage innovative approaches to fundraising within the Catholic context.

Twitter @cathfundraising

email john@catholicsinfundraising.com