Cabinet Office
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Concise guide to the Charities Act 2006
The Cabinet Office and Charity Commission are today launching 'Charities Act 2006 - what trustees need to know', a concise guide to the biggest shake up of charity law for centuries.
Speaking at the London launch of a series of regional events to explain the changes stemming from the Act, Campbell Robb, Director General of the Office of the Third Sector in the Cabinet Office and Andrew Hind, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission will tell trustees that they need to be aware of the opportunities that new powers and greater flexibility will bring.
For charities of all sizes the implementation of the Act will put in place a more flexible legal framework to allow them to focus more on their beneficiaries and build on the high levels of public trust they have earned. 'Charities Act 2006 - what trustees need to know' is primarily aimed at those running small charities that may not have the knowledge or expertise to make the most of the new laws.
Campbell Robb said: 'The Government has worked very closely with charities to build a modern legal framework that will allow them to progress as a major force in the future of our society. The Charities Act 2006 makes a number of important changes and brings new opportunities for charities. The Charities Act 2006 - what trustees need to know guide will help small charities get the most from these changes.'
Dame Suzi Leather, Chair of the Charity Commission said: 'The Act provides opportunities for all and this guide is an essential tool in helping smaller charities make the most of the options on offer. From the new flexibilities to the public benefit requirement, it covers the range of choices available in a clear and accessible way.'
The Government is currently in the process of implementing the Act. Secondary legislation has already been put in place to ease bureaucracy on charities, including increasing the income threshold above which charities are required to register with the Charity Commission. Further provisions of the Act will be brought in over the next three years and after that it will be evaluated to ensure that it is still meeting the current needs of charities.
Notes to editors
1/ The Joint Committee on the draft Charities Bill recommended that the government prepare a plain English guide to the new legislation. The government accepted this recommendation. The guide, "Charities Act 2006 - what trustees need to know" is available at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/law_and_regulation/charities_act_2006/
It is also available in hard copy by telephoning 0845 015 0010 and quoting URN 07/Z2 and the title of the publication.
2/ An implementation plan for the Charities Act 2006 is available at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/law_and_regulation/charities_act_2006/implementation.asp
3/ For information about future regional events visit: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third%5Fsector/news/news_stories/070404_event.asp
Cabinet Office Press Office 22 Whitehall LONDON SW1A 2WH
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Charity Commission Press Office 13-15 Bouverie Street LONDON EC4Y 8DP T
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