CTG Newsletter – 1 August 2016

Gift Aid practical issues working group

CTG is working with a charity-led working group to identify common practical issues facing Gift Aid managers. The intention is that these discussions will result in the publication of best practice guidance and help to inform CTG’s representations to Government.

At the first meeting of this group issues discussed included dealing with “gone aways”, data cleansing, and processes relating to enduring declarations and oral declarations.

A second meeting is taking place later this week. Charity members interested in participating or joining the separate mailing list for this working group should contact info@charitytaxgroup.org.uk.

VAT practical issues working group

CTG is also considering creating an informal working group for charities to discuss practical VAT issues, including preparation of VAT returns. Again the intention would be to encourage collaboration between charities and the sharing of best practice. To register your interest in joining such a working group please contact us at info@charitytaxgroup.org.uk.

New powers for the Charity Commission

The Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Act 2016 (Commencement No. 1 and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2016 give the Charity Commission a new power to issue an official warning to a trustee or to a charity when it considers that there has been a breach of trust or duty, or other misconduct or mismanagement in the charity. Further details are available here.

The Charity Commission has published interim guidance for trustees about the new social investment power that was introduced as part of these regulations.

Plastic bag “tax”

DEFRA has now published data for the first reporting period of the 5p single-use plastic bag charge. At least £29.2 million has been donated to good causes – environment, education, health, arts, charity or voluntary organisations, heritage and sports as well as local causes chosen by customers or staff. Further information is available here.

Inheritance tax statistics

HMRC has published statistics on Inheritance Tax (IHT) and estates passing on death for which grants of representation are required. They include information on the numbers of estates that pay IHT, their size and location and the assets contained in those estates, as well as details relating to exemptions.

Finance Bill 2016

HM Treasury has published Explanatory Notes and Notes on Resolutions for government amendments and resolutions in Public Bill Committee of Finance Bill 2016. The House of Commons is expected to consider the remaining stages of the Bill on Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 September 2016.