CBI defends public sector membership

The Confederation of British Industry has defended its public sector membership after claims it receives significant cash from taxpayer-funded bodies.

A report from Business for Britain revealed the CBI received £5.4m from public sector organisations between 2009 and 2014.

The group, which campaigns for “fundamental changes” in the UK’s European Union membership, said 122 UK organisations contributed money to the CBI over the five-year period.

Membership subscriptions were paid by 87 organisations. The £5.4m amounted to 64 per cent of the CBI’s profit before tax between 2009 and 2014.

Responding to the figures, John Cridland, CBI director- general, said public sector organisations area “tiny proportion” of overall members and provide less than five per cent of its income.

He said: “The CBI is proud to represent these organisations as part of its diverse membership. Overall, the CBI speaks for 190,000 businesses of all sizes and sectors who, collectively, shape and influence our stance on relevant issues, including Europe.”

Business for Britain said the CBI “has consistently been out of step with British business” in its pro-EU stance and urged it to back an in/out referendum.