Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential (a) merits of introducing (i) an increased personal tax allowance, (ii) a tax code adjustment and (ii) other tax incentives for charity volunteers and (b) impact of such incentives on the (A) recruitment and (B) retention of such volunteers (1) in rural areas and (2) nationally.

The government recognises the vital role charities plays in supporting individuals and communities, delivering a huge range of services up and down the country.

The government continues to support the sector and encourages people to volunteer. However, introducing a new tax code and tax incentives, or increasing the Personal Allowance to incentivise individuals to volunteer would make the system more complicated and difficult for taxpayers to navigate.

The government must prioritise ensuring the tax system supports strong public finances. Given the current state of the public spending inheritance, difficult choices are necessary. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has emphasised that sound fiscal policy is crucial for economic stability and growth, which are essential for keeping taxes as low as possible, while continuing to deliver high-quality public services.