Alleged “political activity” at an Isle of Wight community centre has prompted the Charity Commission (CC) to open a compliance case.
The government body said the move is to assess concerns raised with it relating to the Wootton Bridge Community Association (WBCA), a charity (registered number 1044320), which leases the Wootton Bridge Community Centre from County Hall.
Katie Hopkins event
The update comes after it emerged that controversial commentator Katie Hopkins is due to speak at the centre in May 2026 next year as part of her ‘Free Range’ stand-up tour, according to her website.
The centre has recently been adorned with Union Jack and St George’s flags and promotional material for The Patriot Club IOW.
Advance UK leader event
Last month, the charity came under fire from Independent Socialist councillor Geoff Brodie for hosting Advance UK leader Ben Habib, formerly a co-deputy leader of Reform UK.
The CC said it was “assessing concerns” which would determine whether there was a regulatory role for it and “any next steps”.
Political activity
Political activity by charities can be legitimate, but there is a legal requirement for this to only be carried out in the context of supporting charitable purposes, the CC’s guidance says.
It also must not be the only activity they undertake, according to the guidance.
On the Wootton Bridge Community Association’s CC page, its first charitable objective reads,
“To promote the benefit of the inhabitants of Wootton Bridge in the Isle of Wight and the surrounding area without distinction of sex or of political, religious or other opinions…”
Robertson: Important charities adhere to all relevant laws and regulations
Joe Robertson, the Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, said,
“It is important that charities adhere to all relevant laws and regulations however big or small they are.
“Now that the Charity Commission has said it has opened a compliance case relating to alleged political activity at Wootton Bridge Community Association it should do so as swiftly as possible and then publish its findings.
“I will refrain from commenting on this particular case while the Charity Commission is doing its work.”
Commenting on the activity at the centre, Wootton Bridge’s Liberal Democrat county councillor Sarah Redrup, told OnTheWight,
“The Charity Commission’s involvement helps ensure charities are supported in meeting their duties, including around political neutrality. It’s normal for venues to be hired out for a variety of events, including political ones, so long as the charity itself remains impartial. I will await the Commission’s findings, which I hope will provide clarity and reassurance for the whole community.”
WBCA has also not responded to a request for comment.
Article edit
4.55pm 28th Nov 2025 – SR comment added
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
