Decline of philanthropy

Western economies are in trouble, sustained growth cannot be taken for granted, even in the longer term, the limits to government action are becoming more clear and private giving is on more ambiguous ground than before. Philanthropy is no longer constant and independent of the political, economic or social system within which it is exercised. While it is a valuable independent voice of society members to the society in which they live, it no longer fills in the inevitable gaps in all systems of social provision.

The tax incentives for charitable giving are mechanisms to enable the rich to support their own class institutions, especially in the case of the UK's fee-paying schools, and the gifts of the rich, while reducing their own tax burdens actually increase the tax burdens of others.