Welcome scrutiny

Finance | Ian Allsop | 1 Nov 2004

There has been widespread support in the sector following the publication of the scrutiny committee's report on the draft Charities Bill. It contained no radical recommendations to alter the draft Bill, although there has been a rethink on what trading activities charities may be able to undertake outside of a subsidiary

There is also a recommendation that the much criticised proposal that charities should demonstrate social and economic impact be dropped. The committee has suggested various changes to the proposed heads of charity contained in the draft Bill. It recommends that a definition of religion should be included, making it clear that non-deity and multi-deity groups can satisfy the definition of religion for charitable purposes, and that an additional head should be included, 'the provision of religious harmony, racial harmony, and equality and diversity'.

Charities minister Fiona Mactaggart said: "There is widespread support for the principle that public benefit should be the bedrock of charitable status, regulated by a strengthened, independent Charity Commission."

John Low, chief executive of RNID, commented: "RNID welcomes the report, which reflects many of the concerns that the voluntary sector presented to the scrutiny committee. We need a modern and relevant framework in which to operate, one that reassures the public that, as we increase our role in delivering public services, we are accountable and well run. These proposals go a long way towards delivering that aim and recognising that the sector has come of age."

Directory: Charity Commission | Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID)
Who's Who: John Low

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