Leprosy Mission says levy on charities 'unfair'

The Leprosy Mission has hit out at suggestions that the Treasury take a share of Gift Aid or impose a levy on charities.

The call came from the Charity Commission, which has warned that it will not be able to cope with the Treasury's request to make a further saving of 10 per cent in the year 2015/16.

The Leprosy Mission said, however, that it was "unfair" to take a slice of gift aid to plug the Government's spending cuts.

Peter Walker, national director of The Leprosy Mission said a levy could put people off giving while penalising recipients of the money.

"If the Government wants a Big Society, it is responsible for providing the framework for the charitable sector to operate effectively, which includes rigorous investigation where necessary," he said.

"The charitable sector is paramount to the delivery of the Big Society and it is, therefore, unreasonable for the government to expect charities to pay to regulate the sector."

News
Archbishop of Canterbury and Pope Leo exchange messages of unity after installation
Archbishop of Canterbury and Pope Leo exchange messages of unity after installation

Pope Leo XIV and the newly installed Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, have exchanged messages affirming their shared commitment to Christian unity, as plans were confirmed for her visit to Rome next month.

Christians take stock after withdrawal of Bible Society's ‘Quiet Revival’ report
Christians take stock after withdrawal of Bible Society's ‘Quiet Revival’ report

The report made waves when it was first published last year but questions never went away and it has finally been withdrawn.

From dry bones to new hope
From dry bones to new hope

The dry bones are not the end of the story.