This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New dawn for Scotland's charities
10/06/2005
The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Bill has
been passed by the Scottish Parliament.
It creates a single framework for charity registration
and regulation in Scotland and modernises fundraising
activities undertaken in Scotland.
Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm said:
"There are over 25,000 charities in Scotland, and we are
committed to ensuring they can operate in an environment
which affords them public goodwill, support and trust.
"The Bill does just that: it provides a new system of
regulation, without placing an undue burden on charities
and provides reassurance to the public who rightly expect
that the way in which our charities operate is trustworthy
and transparent.
"The new legislation also removes some barriers which
previously hindered charities from operating efficiently.
Now it will be easier for charities to reorganise their
business or change their constitution.
"In strengthening charity law, we will now have a more
effective, independent sector which can thrive and prosper
and one which rightly enables Scotland's charities to
continue to receive support for their work and the
contribution they make to society."
The Bill establishes the Office of the Scottish Charity
Regulator (OSCR) as an independent statutory regulator and
enshrines a Scottish definition of charity, requiring all
charities to demonstrate public benefit.
OSCR will maintain a statutory public register of
charities and will have the power to investigate misconduct
by charities and take action to prevent this or protect
charitable assets.
Jane Ryder, Chief Executive of OSCR, welcomed the
passing of the Bill and said:
"This is a landmark in the development of charity law
and regulation, and I am particularly pleased that many of
the amendments reflect the recommendations of OSCR, the
charities and others close to the sector. We are looking
forward to the Bill receiving Royal Assent in coming weeks
when we will have legislation that is comprehensive,
effective and understandable and which will enable OSCR to
be a proportionate and effective regulator." NOTES FOR NEWS
EDITORS