News

The Centre for Policy on Ageing is facing financial difficulties and is considering merging with older people’s charity The Beth Johnson Foundation, writes Katie Leason.

In its annual report 2000/2001 the CPA states that "the future of the Centre can best be assured through partnership, or merger, with a compatible other organisation working in our field".

As a result, the director of the Beth Johnson Foundation, Alan Hatton-Yeo, is carrying out a three-month review to come up with options for the CPA’s future, based on "a close formal relationship" with the Beth Johnson Foundation.

In a statement the CPA said that it has experienced a "considerable fall" in the value of its investments, placing it under "serious financial pressure". Its trustees have commissioned an urgent review of the organisation and are concerned about ensuring the continuing financial viability of the organisation.

The annual report shows that the £303,000 deficit in 2000 rose to £438,000 last year.

Current CPA director Gillian Dalley confirmed that she may be leaving the organisation but stressed that she is keen to ensure a smooth transition.

She described moves for the two organisations to work more closely together as a "positive development in a difficult financial climate".

No firm decision on the long-term future of CPA has been made. Further discussions will take place at the next trustees’ meeting on July 29^th.