The Independent reports on a Tory rearguard action to block the likely (and much delayed) recommendations of the Committee on Standards in Public Life's inquiry into party funding. The proposed settlement would exempt union affiliation fees from a £10,000 donations cap subject to new transparency rules (below) - already met by the UNISON political fund: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/camerons-fury-at-plan-to-curb-rich-backers-2374247.html
The Independent reports the key reform proposals as follows:
A £10,000 cap on donations to parties by individuals and organisations.
A range of options for increased taxpayer funding, which could be based on between £1 and £3 for every vote received.
One-off trade union donations subject to the cap, but affiliation fees paid by members treated differently.
Unions would have to make clear members have right to opt out of paying political levy and ensure those doing so pay a lower membership fee; unions could not "over-affiliate" by saying they have more members paying the levy than they do.
