Charity law and regulation

Skip the main banner if you do not want to read it as the next section.


Page Banner


Skip the primary navigation if you do not want to read it as the next section.


Primary navigation


Utility and action links

Email |

Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.


DSC largely supported the Charities Act 2006. Along with many other organisations, we argued that the Government needed to define the meaning of ‘public benefit’ in the legislation itself, but the Government opted to effectively leave this politically contentious issue to the Charity Commission.

The Commission has now published its guidance on public benefit, but it remains to be seen how this will be interpreted and enforced. We will contribute to the ongoing debate about what public benefit means in the context of the new guidance.

Read more about our policy principle of Responsible Regulation

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.

Download DSC response to Charity Commission Strategic Review 2010 – 2015 survey and stakeholder consultation (January 2011) (91.21 Kb)

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's briefing on VAT: The Withdrawal of the Staff Hire Concession (December 2008)

Download DSC's briefing on VAT: The Withdrawal of the Staff Hire Concession (December 2008) (1.86 Mb)

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.

Download DSC Hospitals Report (September 2008) (393.90 Kb)

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.

Download DSC’s response to draft public benefit guidance on the advancement of education (July 2008) (305.66 Kb)

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.

Download DSC’s response to proposals to change income thresholds for reporting (March 2008) (324.61 Kb)

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.

Download DSC’s response to the Charity Commission’s consultation on public benefit (June 2007) (402.43 Kb)

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.

Download October 2006 enews survey on Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) (October 2006 enews survey) (295.42 Kb)



The following page sections include static unchanging site components such as the page banner, useful links and copyright information. Return to the top of page if you want to start again.


Page Extras



End of page. You can return to the page content navigation from here.