Evangelical Alliance Introduces New Charity Commission Guidance

The Evangelical Alliance (EA) is introducing a publication of a new Charity Commission guidance relating to the requirement for every charity to show that it is for the public benefit.

The EA has worked closely with the Charity Commission, leading to the publication of its consultation and draft guidance relating to the principles of public benefit.

For the first time, the Charities Act 2006 requires all new and existing charities to demonstrate that they provide clear public benefit.

No legal presumption will any longer automatically qualify anybody.

Don Horrocks, the Evangelical Alliance's Head of Public Affairs, said: "While there is certainly a new challenge involved for churches and religious charities, it is a challenge that should be welcomed.

"There should be nothing to fear from the switch away from presumption of public benefit for religion to a requirement to demonstrate it.

"After all, if it cannot be shown that religious groups are benefiting the public it is reasonable to question why they should receive public tax concessions."

He added that the EA has been assured that the burden of proof will not be troublesome, since there is ready acceptance that religion generally contributes to social and spiritual wellbeing.

Assurances have also been given that churches and others will not be forced to undertake community activities that religious activities open to the public will be deemed to confer public benefit, and that mission and evangelistic organisations can also expect to qualify without difficulty.

David Jones, Chief Executive of Alliance member organisation Stewardship, said: "Religious charities can be reassured that the propagation and teaching of faith principles will continue to be regarded as beneficial, provided it is open to and directed towards the public as a whole.

"We now have an excellent opportunity to put our case to the Charity Commission by responding to its consultation, although together with the Alliance we have been working closely with them to ensure that in its first draft form the guidance appears in a broadly acceptable format.

"We shall be responding to the consultation and would urge all religious charitable bodies to do the same."