Charity Update - 12 May 2021
Locations
Welcome to the latest issue of Fieldfisher's Charity Update. There is a refreshing mixture of news this week, which is not all Covid related. As the lockdown eases, we can expect further guidance as charities resume their wider operations once more.
Neil Palmer
11 May 2021
Queen's Speech announces New Charities Bill and Dormant Assets Bill
Two significant new pieces of legislation for the charity sector were outlined as priorities for the Government in the Queen's speech, to address a range of issues in charity law and to release further funds for good causes.
Queen's speech
8 May 2021
Over 800 community groups, charities and grassroots organisations receive new funding to tackle loneliness
More than 840 organisations have received a share of a £4m fund to tackle loneliness and social isolation. The funding is designed to help local organisations with an annual income of less than £50,000 bring people and communities together.
Department for Digital, Culture Media & Sport
5 May 2021
OSCR releases short guidance on restarting fundraising
With restrictions beginning to ease in Scotland, the OSCR has produced a short guidance piece to help charities who are restarting their fundraising efforts.
OSCR
5 May 2021
Charity Commission to continue consultation on their draft revised responsible investment guidance
In light of a recent case brought to the High Court by two charities seeking clarification of the law regarding responsible investments, the Charity Commission has announced that it will be continuing with its consultation. It is expected that there will be a hearing later this year. The Commission will consider the effects of the decision on the draft guidance, once judgement has been given.
The Charity Commission
5 May2021
Amendment to the Code of Fundraising Practice
The Fundraising Regulator has amended the wording of standard 12.6.2 to reflect more accurately the legislation which underpins the standard on hosting a free draw for charitable fundraising purposes. Check out the Code here.
Fundraising Regulator
4 May 2021
Update to "Charities: detailed guidance on how the tax system operates"
This guidance relates to the direct tax obligations of charities and the reliefs available to them. Chapter 3.45 has been supplemented to clarify rules on claiming Gift Aid on waived refunds and loan repayments. Please see the updated Gift Aid guidance here.
HM Revenue & Customs
30 April 2021
Founder of children's cancer charity sentenced for fraud and theft
The Charity Commission has welcomed the 20-month custodial sentence given to Colin Nesbitt, founder of former children's cancer charity, Little Heroes Cancer Trust. Nesbitt stole funds from the charity between July 2014 and May 2015. Little Heroes Cancer Trust was removed from the charity register in 2018.
Charity Commission
29 April 2021
HMRC agrees to concessions to Retail Gift Aid scheme
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic charities have unable to complete some of the requirements of the Retail Gift Aid scheme. As a result the Charity Tax Group have published details of some temporary concessions to assist charities whose offices and shops have been closed.
Charity Tax Group