Tag: Gift Aid

Bishop of St Albans asks Government for reform of Gift Aid rules to help churches and charities struggling financially

On 9th July 2020 Lord Black of Brentwood asked the Government “what assessment they have made of the impact of the restrictions in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial sustainability of churches and places of worship.”The Bishop of St Albans, Rt Revd Alan Smith, asked a follow-up question:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: My Lords, legislation has not kept up with the practice of public giving or developments in technology, especially now, when, as a result of the pandemic, cash carries the risk of infection. Charities, including churches, can currently claim only on cash and contactless gifts—not on online gifts and donations. Will the Government consider allowing online donations to qualify for gift aid, as part of the gift aid small donations scheme? Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks Government for reform of Gift Aid rules to help churches and charities struggling financially”

Church Commissioner questions: church building reopening, weddings, housing, public worship, music, online services, family life, church finances and the Transition Pathway Initiative

On 25th June 20202 the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Andrew Selous MP, answered questions from MPs in the House of Commons, on: church building reopening, weddings, housing, public worship, music, online services, family life, church finances and the Transition Pathway Initiative. A transcript is below:

Continue reading “Church Commissioner questions: church building reopening, weddings, housing, public worship, music, online services, family life, church finances and the Transition Pathway Initiative”

Bishop of St Albans asks Government about Gift Aid reform to help charities during coronavirus

On 4th May 2020 the Bishop of St Albans, Rt Revd Alan Smith, received a written answer to a question on gift aid reform for charities during coronavirus:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: HL3217 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to increase the amount that charities can claim through Gift Aid to 50p for every £1 donated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks Government about Gift Aid reform to help charities during coronavirus”