The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (Nicva) has raised concerns with the Northern Ireland Executive after it announced last week it would amend the Charities Act to reintroduce presumed public benefit for churches.

The Executive backed church leaders' calls for the amendment following pressure ahead of the introduction of charity regulation through the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. But Nicva believes that this would provide an “unfair advantage” to churches and possibly to other organisations established to relieve poverty or promote education.

“During the extensive consultation carried out on the key provisions of the Charities Act (NI) 2008, it was widely agreed that any organisation wishing to establish as a charity in Northern Ireland should have to demonstrate that it is for the benefit of the public and that all charities should be treated equally and fairly,” said a spokesperson for the Nicva.

“Nicva is therefore concerned that if the Executive continues with its proposed amendment it will create an unfair advantage for these types of organisation.”

Writing to the minister for social development this week the Council asked for clarification on whether the move creates new law, as it alters what was originally intended within the current legislation, and raised concerns that the changes are being given accellerated passage in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

“Changes on this scale, we believe, require full and thorough scrutiny to ensure that sound legislation is progressed," said the spokesperson.