Menu
10/02/2022
New Charities Bill Passed By The Assembly
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has welcomed the news that the new Charities Bill has now passed its final stage in the Assembly.
The Minister introduced the Bill in direct response to concerns raised by the charity sector.
Minister Hargey said: "I am delighted that this important piece of legislation has passed Final Stage. The Bill will bring real benefits to over 6,500 charities and those that rely on them.
"I believe that the provisions in this Bill, together with the Review of Charity Regulation which has just been published, position us well to reclaim public and stakeholder confidence in charity regulation here."
In summary the Bill will:
• Make previous decisions taken by staff of the Charity Commission (the Commission) lawful except where to do so could impinge on the rights of individuals under the European Convention on Human Rights;
• Provide refreshed appeal rights for decisions made lawful by the Bill, extending the timeframe for those appeals from 42 days to 91 days from the date of Royal Assent;
• Ensure that charities do not have to account for past periods where they have not continued to do so voluntarily, but will instead be required to report on their first full financial year from 1 April 2022;
• Provide that some decisions required of the Commission may be delegated to Commission staff provided they are set out in a Scheme of Delegation which will be subject to public consultation, whilst stipulating that certain decisions will never be taken by staff; and
• Provide a power for the introduction of a registration threshold below which charities would not be required to register with the Commission or be subject to annual reporting requirements, via subordinate legislation at some future point if deemed appropriate.
The Minister introduced the Bill in direct response to concerns raised by the charity sector.
Minister Hargey said: "I am delighted that this important piece of legislation has passed Final Stage. The Bill will bring real benefits to over 6,500 charities and those that rely on them.
"I believe that the provisions in this Bill, together with the Review of Charity Regulation which has just been published, position us well to reclaim public and stakeholder confidence in charity regulation here."
In summary the Bill will:
• Make previous decisions taken by staff of the Charity Commission (the Commission) lawful except where to do so could impinge on the rights of individuals under the European Convention on Human Rights;
• Provide refreshed appeal rights for decisions made lawful by the Bill, extending the timeframe for those appeals from 42 days to 91 days from the date of Royal Assent;
• Ensure that charities do not have to account for past periods where they have not continued to do so voluntarily, but will instead be required to report on their first full financial year from 1 April 2022;
• Provide that some decisions required of the Commission may be delegated to Commission staff provided they are set out in a Scheme of Delegation which will be subject to public consultation, whilst stipulating that certain decisions will never be taken by staff; and
• Provide a power for the introduction of a registration threshold below which charities would not be required to register with the Commission or be subject to annual reporting requirements, via subordinate legislation at some future point if deemed appropriate.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
01 June 2009
NI Charity Commission Announced
A new organsiation to oversee local charities has been established. Strormont's Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie (pictured) has today unveiled the first ever Charities Commission in Northern Ireland.
NI Charity Commission Announced
A new organsiation to oversee local charities has been established. Strormont's Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie (pictured) has today unveiled the first ever Charities Commission in Northern Ireland.
17 July 2006
NI commission to regulate local charities
Plans for a Charities Commission and Register of Charities in Northern Ireland were issued for consultation today. The Minister for Social Development, David Hanson, said that proposed new charities legislation would change the way that government supports charities and would require them to demonstrate to the public that they are well managed.
NI commission to regulate local charities
Plans for a Charities Commission and Register of Charities in Northern Ireland were issued for consultation today. The Minister for Social Development, David Hanson, said that proposed new charities legislation would change the way that government supports charities and would require them to demonstrate to the public that they are well managed.
27 June 2024
Available Player Protection Measures in Northern Ireland
The iGaming sector has become increasingly popular in recent years, which raised the need for more comprehensive industry regulations. Many countries have already accepted appropriate legislation and initiated specific authorities controlling casinos' compliance with the existing requirements.
Available Player Protection Measures in Northern Ireland
The iGaming sector has become increasingly popular in recent years, which raised the need for more comprehensive industry regulations. Many countries have already accepted appropriate legislation and initiated specific authorities controlling casinos' compliance with the existing requirements.
18 April 2023
Unionists And Nationalists Must Agree A Way Forward – Donaldson
Unionists and Nationalists agreeing a way forward is key to restoring the NI Assembly, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said.
Unionists And Nationalists Must Agree A Way Forward – Donaldson
Unionists and Nationalists agreeing a way forward is key to restoring the NI Assembly, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
