After assessing twenty charities, the Charity Commission has concluded its formal programme of public benefit assessments with the publication of its conclusions and recommendations for arts, leisure and recreation charities.

The Emerging Findings report outlines guidance for charities wishing to assess their own public benefit. In researching the report the Commission concluded that some arts charities could "more accurately express" their aims in terms of the public benefit they provide and that membership charities need to be able to demonstrate a more open membership policy.

It also found that there is "considerable scope for fee-charging charities to be innovative in providing opportunities to benefit for people who are unable to afford the fees". 

Some twenty charities in five categories have been assessed for their public benefit by the Commission since July 2009. Recreation and leisure charities, arts charities, charities for the advancement of religion, independent schools and care homes were tested.

Four arts charities and four recreation and leisure charities were put under the microscope with only one, the Radlett Lawn Tennis Club, failing to meet the test. A further two independent schools and one care home failed initial tests but later passed after addressing recommendations made by the Commission. Radlett is currently working with the Commission to do the same.