Charities: VAT

Debate between Lord Morris of Manchester and Lord Sassoon

Thursday 13th January 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Sassoon]

I agree that tax relief related to charitable giving is a critical part of the piece. Indeed, gift aid is running at some £1 billion a year and is a very successful and important scheme.

[Lord Morris of Manchester]

My Lords, the Minister will have seen my Question on the Order Paper on this important issue. Can he say now how much was raised from charities in irrecoverable taxation in the last year for which figures are available? What kind of inducement is it to charitable giving when moneys intended for deprived and often severely disabled children go instead to the Billy Bunters of the Treasury?