# Dear Darling…

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/03/13/dear-darling/
- Published: 2008-03-13T20:31:58+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

Why oh why are we all so pleased that Alastair has decoupled Gift Aid from the rate
of tax?

Yes, charities can now reclaim a small amount more tax back than expected, but an
important principle has been broken, and politicians can now move the amount of 
tax we can reclaim both up and down as they see fit.

One thing we know is that if that given the chance they will take it. The pattern
is to make a small positive step somewhere else to soften criticism, and at the 
same time take a large step back. The road is now open for Gift Aid to suffer this
fate.

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Lowering the tax rate was a major step forward for many families, but the sector
was not content with that and took its chance to lobby the chancellor. I hope we
do not live to regret it.

 * **[Animal charities can reclaim overpaid VAT](https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/03/20/animal-charities-can-reclaim-overpaid-vat/)**(
   20 March 2008)
 * **[Concern hopes to raise €7 million from tax refunds](https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/04/08/concern-hopes-raise-e7-million-tax-refunds/)**(
   8 April 2008)
 * **[Revenue go after false tax reclaims](https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/04/10/revenue-go-after-false-tax-reclaims/)**(
   10 April 2008)