CAF COMMENT: CHARITY TAX COMMISSION REPORT
17 July 2019
The Charity Tax Commission has just released its final report, with some key CAF recommendations making the cut.
Commenting, Sir John Low, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation says:
“Harnessing technology to make it easier to claim Gift Aid and offering regular payroll giving to all employees could be a valuable boost to our culture of charitable giving.
“The many charities that make such a difference to millions of lives need our support now more than ever, and Sir Nick Montagu’s charity tax commission must be commended for making practical, positive proposals for supporting giving that should be easy for government to implement.
“The proposal to divert higher rate tax to charities needs very careful thought because people’s tax affairs are rightly private. We all aspire to increase the amount of funds available for charities, but must avoid unintended consequences that might discourage people from giving or undermine the relationship between charities and their supporters.
“At a time when those bidding for the keys to Number 10 are offering support for many parts of the economy, they should remember that simple, low cost changes to the tax system can make a major difference to organisations working with the most vulnerable in society, and to those who support them through donations.
“The generous tax reliefs that charities enjoy in our country are so much more than a mere policy mechanism. They are a profound indication of our support for the charities and civil society that play a vital role in our democracy and help make our country what it is today.”