The conversation about donations is too narrow (Can we keep the Elon Musks of the world out of British politics? Only if we act now, 3 December). Donors buy influence to achieve their personal and business policy objectives at the expense of the majority. Unsolicited donations, no matter how they are regulated, can therefore never be democratic.
A much better system would be to give every elector a £5 voucher annually to donate to the party of their choice. From party accounts published by the Electoral Commission, I estimate that the taxpayer cash needed would be in the order of £150m a year, perhaps more in general election years. This is a trivial cost for clean politics.
Of course, some electors could refuse to use their vouchers. This proportion, once settled in, could be used to adjust the voucher value. All other donations in cash or kind (including by companies), fundraising, payments in kind, and club membership fees designed to raise political funds, should be prohibited.
The disclosure principle is needed for thinktanks, unincorporated associations, and arm’s-length bodies created by legislation. They should be required to publish all donations received without exception.
David Kauders
Author, Reinventing Democracy: Improving British Political Governance
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