It is deeply disappointing that Government has failed to announce that it will take steps to reform Gift Aid in the 2009 Pre-Budget Report. Saying simply that it will continue “to explore how best to support the third sector through the Gift Aid system”, Government has missed an opportunity to commit to real change.
The Institute and other sector bodies invested a great deal of time and effort into trying to achieve positive Gift Aid reform from the Government, and is sorry to see its efforts appear to have been ignored.
Lindsay Boswell, Chief Executive of the Institute of Fundraising, comments:
'Unfortunately the timing of Government’s research on Gift Aid was not dovetailed with its Pre-Budget Report announcement. With the research due to be issued later on 15th December, we can only conclude that Gift Aid is low on the Government’s list of priorities.
'This is despite assurances given earlier in the year by Finance Minister Stephen Timms that the research would be ready in time to allow the Government to legislate next year.
'There is a desperate need for charities to receive support from Government in the current economic downturn and we believe that Gift Aid is the best and most democratic way to support charities nationwide in their provision of services to beneficiaries in today’s troubled times.'
On behalf of all of its members, the Institute will continue to call on the Government to keep to its pledges to introduce positive reforms to Gift Aid by next year. Lindsay Boswell has already spoken with Ian Pearson, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, to express the sector’s concerns.
The Institute awaits with interest the publication of the Government’s research and will continue to keep members informed of developments.
