Sign ‘breached charity’s political neutrality’

denial: Charity says it did not endorse any candidates

A charity has been reprimanded following claims it breached political neutrality rules by endorsing an SNP candidate.

Dundee the Caring City, which is run by the partner of Health Secretary Shona Robison, was accused of falling foul of strict rules that require charities to be politically independent.

The industry regulator has reminded the organisation of its responsibilities after a sign was displayed outside its premises backing Chris Law, who was returned as the Dundee West MP in the general election.

The charity, also known as Dundee Refugee Support, denies it endorsed any candidates, adding its focus is on helping those who rely on their charity.

A decision letter from the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator said: “We have assessed that displaying signs outside the charity encouraging people to vote for the SNP candidate and including the initials ‘SNP’ after an individual’s name on social media postings are regulatory issues for OSCR.

“We have therefore contacted the charity trustees to make them aware of our regulatory concern and of their duty as charity trustees to act in the interest of the charity and ensure the charity is, and is seen to be, independent of party politics. We have also made a recommendation to the charity trustees to support the charity going forward.”

The Broomhill Road-based charity provides “strategic humanitarian aid to refugees transiting through Europe on route to a safer future”.

The complainant told The Courier it is “vital” that charities remain independent to political parties.

“It allows them to hold governments to account and to demand action that politicians may find inconvenient,” he said.

“That Chris Law, Shona Robison, their staff and the wider Dundee SNP see no issue with this is deeply concerning and smacks of arrogance.”

A spokesman for the charity said: “Dundee the Caring City did not endorse any candidate from any political party and no candidate ever sought endorsement from us.

“Dundee the Caring City always has and always will remain non-partisan.

“We welcome volunteers of all political persuasions and of none.

“We are a charity which aims to help locally where we can and also to help refugees abroad fleeing with little more than their lives.

“Dundee the Caring City welcomes OSCR’s decision to close the matter.”

The SNP were asked for comment but at the time of going to press last night had not responded.

Dundee the Caring City always has and always will remain non-partisan