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DSC has a long-standing interest in charity law and regulation, which is both principled and practical. For over 20 years we have organised the annual Charity Law Conference with the law firm Bates Wells Braithwaite, to help improve charities’ understanding of their regulatory and legal environment.
DSC has contributed to policy discussions around the 2006 Charities Act, the ensuing debate about public benefit, the Charity Commission’s Strategic Review in 2011, and the Review of the 2006 Act taking place during 2012. Our views and responses are informed by our policy principle of Responsible Regulation.
DSC Response to the Review of the Charities Act 2006
The 2006 Charities Act required a review of the law after five years. The review is being carried out by Lord Hodgson during the first half of 2012, with recommendations expected by July 2012.
Download DSC Response to the Review of the Charities Act 2006 (106.03 Kb)
DSC response to Charity Commission Strategic Review 2010 – 2015 survey and stakeholder consultation (January 2011)
DSC responds to the Charity Commission’s survey consultation, focusing on three issues we think should be considered as a priority.
New model constitution launched for charities under £5,000 income (October 2009)
A new, simplified constitution for very small charities has been launched by the Charity Commission in partnership with a number of umbrella bodies across the charity sector. The new constitution is designed to provide a concise, practical framework for charities with an income of under £5,000. It uses clear, direct language that is easy to understand, is only 700 words long and covers all the requirements for a very small charity which does not own land or employ staff.
For more information, including the downloadable constitution, go to:
http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/registration/smallcharity.asp
DSC Hospitals Report (September 2008)
This report explores the implications of the Charities Act 2006 and the requirement to demonstrate public benefit for fee-charging hospitals with charitable status.
DSC’s response to draft public benefit guidance on the advancement of education (July 2008)
We responded to the Charity Commission’s consultation on further guidance relating to the reporting of public benefit, for charities with the advancement of education as an object.
DSC’s response to draft public benefit guidance on fee-charging (July 2008)
We also responded to the Charity Commission’s consultation on further guidance relating to the reporting of public benefit, where a charity charged fees.
Download DSC’s response to draft public benefit guidance on fee-charging (July 2008) (302.08 Kb)
DSC’s response to proposals to change income thresholds for reporting (March 2008)
During the passage of the Charities Bill, the Charity Commission made a commitment to review the reporting requirements for charities at different thresholds of income. Our response argues that thresholds should be raised and simplified to ease the burden on smaller charities.
DSC’s response to the Charity Commission’s consultation on public benefit (June 2007)
Following the Charities Act, the Charity Commission consulted on its draft guidance on the public benefit principle, and we responded.
October 2006 enews survey on Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) (October 2006 enews survey)
We asked enewsletter subscribers for their views on the SORP, the SORP committee that is reviewing the guidance, and the committee’s functions.