HM TREASURY News
Release (31/08) issued by The Government News Network on 31 March 2008
New research into
the 'Key Barriers to the Adoption of Gift Aid' was
published today by Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Jane
Kennedy MP.
The research was co-funded by the Government and the Charities
Aid Foundation (CAF) and involved in-depth interviews with over
fifty UK charities, as well as key intermediaries and stakeholders.
Jane Kennedy said:
"I welcome the publication of this important research, which
will inform our ongoing work to promote and increase charitable
giving in the UK.
"The research complements many of the measures announced in
the Budget to promote uptake of Gift Aid, including improvements
to auditing, work to bring more smaller charities into Gift Aid,
and the launch of new targeted guidance and marketing tools."
Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector said:
"This research will be a valuable asset in helping charities
make the most of Gift Aid. It will build on the increase we have
already seen in the amount of money charities receive from the
scheme from £506m in 2002/03 to £828m today. As well as the extra
money, Gift Aid helps charities build stronger relationships with
donors and raise levels of charitable giving.
"We have consulted widely on making Gift Aid more accessible
and in the recent Budget announced a three year transitional
period for charities, following the recent drop in income tax,
that will ensure a £300m saving to the charities sector."
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The report 'Key Barriers to the Adoption of Gift Aid is
published on the HMRC website - see: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/research/
2. Budget 2008 also announced that although the basic rate of tax
will be 20%, Gift Aid will be paid at a transitional rate of 22%
from 2008-09 to 2010-11; providing charities with additional Gift
Aid worth around £300 million over three years.
3. Non-media enquiries should be addressed to the Treasury
Correspondence and Enquiry Unit on 020 7270 4558, or by email to public.enquiries@hm-treasury.gov.uk
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