# Call for rapid implementation of charity reforms

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2002/09/25/call-rapid-implementation-charity-reforms/
- Published: 2002-09-25T23:00:00+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

Charities are urging the government to ensure that the proposals for reform of the
charity sector contained in the Cabinet Office Strategy Unit report, published yesterday,
should be implemented as quickly as possible.

The sector’s response has largely been positive. Stuart Etherington, chief executive
of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), has called for a charity
bill to be introduced in the Queen’s Speech next year.

He said: “It is a great boost for the charity sector that the government’s strategy
unit has decided to move in favour of a universal public benefit test and robust
reform of the charity commission.”

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It is not clear however whether the reforms will result in the loss of tax advantages
for public schools, religious organisations and private hospitals that currently
have charitable status.

Similarly there are concerns that the introduction of standard reporting returns
might lead to league tables of charities. Many charities are concerned that comparisons
based on such figures could be misleading and would need substantial explanation
of the complexities involved.

The recommendation for a new independent regulatory body for fundraisers has raised
some concerns. Its relation to the Institute of Fundraising will of course be essential
to iron out. Charging charities to become members of the body was criticised by 
a number of senior fundraisers who argued that this should be the job of government.

The Strategy Unit will consult on its findings over the next three months.

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