Gift Aid Forum June Meeting
11 June 2010
On Friday June 10th, the Gift Aid Forum met with Justine Greening MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, and Nick Hurd MP, Minister for Civil Society. Over the past few years, ACEVO and its members have become frustrated by the previous government’s lethargy on Gift Aid reform and pushed for action rather than just words.
A wide ranging discussion took place looking at both simplification and reform of the Gift Aid system. The Forum will present a report and recommendations to ministers by the end of September. Many proposals were discussed including Cancer Research’s capped composite rate and a database system to lower the administrative costs which could well form part of the wider Government agenda of reducing burdensome regulation. The next stage in this process is for the Treasury to produce a working paper for discussion with the Forum in July.
Stephen Bubb called on government to stop further holds ups and take action on Gift Aid reform. Speaking on the meeting he said,
“Whilst we welcome the coalition government’s commitment to reform Gift Aid and we’re glad that they called us together so quickly I didn't just jump off a red merry go round to jump on a blue and yellow one. We need action from the new government. Not more chat.
“As cuts gather pace, Gift Aid becomes ever more important in supporting the crucial work of charities. It is also a key plank for us to help build a bigger society.”
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