CTG press release: 22/04/09
Charity sector invisible in the budget
The Charity Tax Group today expressed grave disappointment that the Chancellor made no announcements in his Budget speech about the sector.
Given the present economic situation, it is surprising that a number of measures that could have been introduced, to ensure that the sector played its part in delivering services to help alleviate the social problems caused by rising unemployment, were overlooked. The sector plays a crucial role in helping the victims of the recession as well as being a significant employer. CTG is particularly disappointed that there was no announcement to postpone the staff-hire concession. The withdrawal of this important concession will effectively cost the sector much needed jobs.
It is also disappointing that there has been no further progress made on reforming the Gift Aid regime, which would have provided an important boost to the sector at a difficult time. The clock is ticking on transitional relief and urgent steps are needed to ensure that the Gift Aid regime realises its full potential. CTG remains committed to working with the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, Charities Aid Foundation, Charity Finance Directors’ Group, Institute of Fundraising and National Council for Voluntary Organisations, to effect change that will benefit the sector.
CTG welcomes the recognition in the Budget Report that the substantial donors legislation needs to be changed radically and looks forward to working with officials on new rules that will not penalise innocent charities.
Given the present economic situation, it is surprising that a number of measures that could have been introduced, to ensure that the sector played its part in delivering services to help alleviate the social problems caused by rising unemployment, were overlooked. The sector plays a crucial role in helping the victims of the recession as well as being a significant employer. CTG is particularly disappointed that there was no announcement to postpone the staff-hire concession. The withdrawal of this important concession will effectively cost the sector much needed jobs.
It is also disappointing that there has been no further progress made on reforming the Gift Aid regime, which would have provided an important boost to the sector at a difficult time. The clock is ticking on transitional relief and urgent steps are needed to ensure that the Gift Aid regime realises its full potential. CTG remains committed to working with the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, Charities Aid Foundation, Charity Finance Directors’ Group, Institute of Fundraising and National Council for Voluntary Organisations, to effect change that will benefit the sector.
CTG welcomes the recognition in the Budget Report that the substantial donors legislation needs to be changed radically and looks forward to working with officials on new rules that will not penalise innocent charities.