Minister for civil society Nick Hurd is to write to Apple to urge the software giant to lift its restrictions on apps containing charity donation functionality.

Hurd’s move is the latest development in the ongoing campaign to put pressure on Apple, which says donations may only be taken via a link to website or via text message.

The reasons for the restriction are unclear, though commentators have suggested that Apple does not wish to open the door to software developers receiving payments directly. At present they have to go through the AppStore, which ensures that Apple can take a cut of the proceeds.

A spokesman for the Cabinet Office said: “What’s unclear is the reason for the problem, so he’ll be working out what the problems is first and taking it from there.”

 A petition against the ban has now reached 12,500 signatures.