Charity Commission: Bogus Charities

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon Excerpts

Wednesday 4th May 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

I cannot deny that there is always a link between resources and function. My noble friend points out that there is a review of the functioning of charities legislation coming up at the end of this year, which will be very important and I am sure will have these matters in mind. But I am also sure that noble Lords will appreciate that the Government’s priority at the moment is about spending priorities, given the need to provide deficit reduction.

[Baroness Royall of Blaisdon]

My Lords, what criteria does the Charity Commission apply in its assessment of whether UK charities with expenditure overseas do conform to charitable objectives as defined by statute?

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

My Lords, it is up to the trustees of all charities because they are responsible for the audit trail of their financial expenditure. On scrutiny, all charities are subject to proper regulation of their gift aid through HMRC.