Volunteering England has hit out at Government plans to give students a reduction in tuition fees in return for volunteering.
The development agency said offering students a financial reward for doing work in the community does not meet the definition of volunteering.
In last week's Budget, the Treasury said youth volunteering charity v is to consult young people on the idea.
Christopher Spence, the chief executive of Volunteering England, said: "Offering incentives is dangerous and other voluntary organisations may feel pressurised to follow."
Mel Foster, marketing and communications director at v, said: "We know there are differing views. That is why the consultation with young people is so important."
