Troubled charity 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.

In its
latest annual report 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 centre 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
final decision on the long-term future of CPA has yet been made.
Further discussions will take place at the next trustees’ meeting
on 29 July.