CABINET OFFICE News
Release (CAB/040/07) issued by The Government News Network on 16 May 2007
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