Financial crisis forces CPA to consider merger

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.