The government’s agreement to postpone a decision on new lobbying legislation has been welcomed by Jewish communal organisations.

Fears had been expressed in August that charities and other Jewish groups could cease to function if the plans to curb political lobbying became law.

An internal Jewish Leadership Council briefing paper had warned members of the implications of regulating charities’ political campaigning in the run up to general elections.

But a backlash from dozens of voluntary organisations, unions and campaign groups, coupled with the threat of the House of Lords voting for a three-month delay, has seen the government agree to further consultation.

A JLC spokesman said: “We and the Board of Deputies welcome the government’s decision to re-examine and consult further on the Lobbying Bill.

“We hope that the pause will lead to an in-depth review of the legislation and we anticipate working with the government and other stakeholders in order to address our concerns.”

The next stage of discussions about the law will now take place in December.