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Last updated: 23 November 2008
The Charity Commission – the independent regulator for charities in England and Wales – has published its general guidance for charities on public benefit. Charities and Public Benefit: the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and a summary version are both available from the Commission's website.
The Minister for the Third Sector Phil Hope has welcomed this guidance:
“The Government welcomes the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit, which after wide consultation shows excellent regard for the range of views on this issue.
“Providing public benefit is at the heart of charitable activity, and now all charities without exception will have to demonstrate their public benefit in return for charitable status. What is fundamentally important is that the public clearly see the benefits charities bring. Without this, the high levels of public trust that underpin charitable giving and endeavour risk being eroded.
“Charities play an increasingly important role in all parts of society and the Government is determined to make the changes they need to thrive today and in the future.
“The Government has committed to reviewing the success of the public benefit test within three years of it coming into effect, and next month will be launching a new Charity Tribunal to offer all charities an independent and robust mechanism for challenging future rulings by the Charity Commission.”