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
Ireland on 'wrong path' as fertility and marriage rates reach record lows
Ireland on 'wrong path' as fertility and marriage rates reach record lows

The Iona Institute has warned that Ireland is “on the wrong course” citing concerns about record low marriage and fertility rates, while divorce is at an all-time high.

Local historic landmarks aid emotional stability and wellbeing
Local historic landmarks aid emotional stability and wellbeing

A new report has suggested that churches and other local historic buildings can improve general wellbeing and help provide people with emotional stability.

Legal appeal launched against Labour's destructive VAT raid on schools
Legal appeal launched against Labour's destructive VAT raid on schools

Labour have been accused of an "ideological" attack on freedom of choice.

Christians welcome launch of parliamentary inquiry into NI online pimping platforms
Christians welcome launch of parliamentary inquiry into NI online pimping platforms

A new parliamentary inquiry has been launched to investigate the role of online pimping websites in facilitating the exploitation of women and girls across Northern Ireland.