The UK's flatlining economy is having a devastating effect on charities, according to research that suggests that two out of five face closure, with many set to disappear as early as next year unless things improve.

A poll commissioned by the Charities Aid Foundation confirms that public spending cutbacks and falling donations are conspiring to devastating effect. The foundation warns that as many as one in six charities believe they may close in the coming year, while nearly half say they are being forced to dip into reserves. One in three say they fear being forced to cut services.

The figures will make gloomy reading in Downing Street, which believes the third sector has a vital role to play in delivering the prime minister's vision for his "big society". The funding crisis comes as charities report that there is more demand for their services.

The foundation is calling on the public to support charities through regular giving, regardless of how much time or money people can give.

Well it starts form the somewhat bizarre notion that people who used to be paid to do something would be happy to do it for nothing. I can't imagine how that could fail.

Charities only seem to be interested in regualr payments these days. Every couple of months or so we get a different one knocking on the front door asking for us to set up a direct debit.

I already have set up standing orders for the charities that I am supporting, and even when things got tight I have never touched my charity standing order.

I get that occasionally. I mean, what? LIke I'm going to give somebody who knocks on my front door my bank details? I don't give a *&^% if you've got an ID card, I can knock one of those up in a couple of minutes and a look at any given charities web site.

If they gave me a leaflet and/or instructions on how to set up a direct debit via their website, I might do it. I even have a couple of times after being visited where I've done and looked for details to do so. But there's no way in hell I'm giving those kind of details out on spec to a stranger. I can't imagine there are that many people who will, frankly.

I don't really see the problem with giving anyone your bank details. After all, it's only the same information you give someone when you write a cheque. It's not like giving someone your pin number or credit card security number.

I don't really see the problem with giving anyone your bank details. After all, it's only the same information you give someone when you write a cheque. It's not like giving someone your pin number or credit card security number.
It's far more dangerous to use your credit card in a restaurant for example. They just need to note the 3 digit number on the back, and you're potentially screwed.