This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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McFadden Commission publishes report on reform of Scottish Charity Law
09/05/2001
The final report on a comprehensive review of the law relating to charities in Scotland was today passed to Scottish Ministers.
The McFadden Commission, chaired by Mrs Jean McFadden, was set up by the Scottish Executive in March 2000 to develop proposals on modernising charity law.
Its key recommendations are:
- the establishment of a new regulator for Scottish Charities, CharityScotland, bringing together all the current functions except for direct tax
- water rate relief for Scottish charities
- a new inclusive set of principles to define charities, including more in the voluntary sector
- "tabard collectors" - who collect bank details rather than cash from the public - to be brought into the regulatory framework
- Making the financial accounts of all charities more transparent
Publishing the report, Jean McFadden said:
"Charities have a vital role in delivering social justice in Scotland. That is why it is important that we help foster an environment in which they can thrive.
"We believe that the implementation of these recommendations would lead to less bureaucracy for charities and greater public protection from bogus charity collectors.
"The responsibility for these changes is mainly with the Scottish Parliament. However, we also feel strongly that improvements could be made in some reserved areas. We have therefore decided to recommend further action across the UK.
"I and my fellow Commissioners are honoured to have been asked to consider such important issues. During the last year, we have consulted widely with charities and considered the evidence presented to us very carefully. As a result, it is with real confidence that we present our findings to the Scottish Executive."
BACKGROUND
1. The Scottish Charity Review Commission was established on 29 March 2000 under the chairmanship of Mrs Jean McFadden. The Commission was set up to review the law relating to charities in Scotland and to make recommendations on any reforms it considered necessary. As part of its Consultation exercise the Commission held Open Forums throughout Scotland and visited a range of organisations.
2. The final report, published today, can be found on the Commission's web site www.charityreview.com
News Release: SE1231/2001
9 May 2001