Charity law review panel unveiled

A charity law review group which will shadow the work of the Government’s own review of the Charities Act 2006 in November has been set up by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).

The Charity Law Review Advisory Group will enquire and report on the operation of the Charities Act 2006, with particular focus on its overall effect on public trust and confidence in charities.

The panel, which will publish its findings next spring, will also focus on areas of charity legislation which are deemed to cause uncertainty and carry disproportionate regulatory burdens.

The implementation of the the Charities Act 2006, which was the biggest overhaul of charity law in the UK for 400 years, meant that charities now have to prove that they benefit the public in order to retain their charitable status and accompanying tax breaks.

Acting chairwoman of the Charity Law Review Advisory Group, Baroness Howe of Idlicote, said: “This is a great opportunity to review how we can improve and clarify existing law, to ensure charities operate in a truly modern legal framework whilst maintaining public confidence in the sector.”

Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive of NCVO, added: “This review is very timely, and follows on naturally from NCVO’s original work campaigning for the Charities Act 2006.  We look forward to working together and presenting our recommendations to Government next year.”

IBB Solicitors’ specialist Charities team has over 50 years’ combined experience in delivering practical commercial advice to charities and not for profit organisations and those who work with them. For advice, contact a member of the Charities team, call us on 08456 381 381 or email enquiries@ibblaw.co.uk