11 February 2005
SPELLAR INVITES COMMENT ON CHARITY LAW PROPOSALS
A public consultation exercise to seek views on proposed changes to the existing laws governing charities in Northern Ireland, was announced today by John Spellar, MP, the Minister for Social Development.
The appointment of a Charities Commission and a Register of Charities in Northern Ireland, are among the main proposals in a document called Consultation on the Review of Charities Administration and Legislation in Northern Ireland 2005, and is published by the Department for Social Development.
The Minister said: "Charities in Northern Ireland make an immense contribution, helping those in our society who are most in need. The proposed changes are designed to provide greater public confidence in how charities operate and spend the donations they receive from the public. We need to address concerns that the lack of tighter control of charities in Northern Ireland provides opportunities for abuse by organised criminal elements. This can only be good for all concerned.
"The consultation document looks at the existing system of charity administration, and outlines proposals for changes and new provisions that might be introduced to ensure an even more effective system, while continuing to safeguard charitable funds."
Comments are being sought from a wide range of interests, both within the charitable and voluntary sector and from the public at large. The closing date for receipt of comments is 20 May 2005. Comments and requests for a copy of the document should be sent to:
Department for Social Development
Voluntary & Community Unit
3rd Floor, Lighthouse Building
Gasworks Business Park
Belfast
BT7 2JB
Tel (028) 9082 9414
Fax (028) 9082 9431
Text Phone (028) 9082 9446
E-mail: denis.cathcart@dsdni.gov.uk
Website: www.dsdni.gov.uk/voluntary-act/voluntary-activity.asp
Click here to print this press release.
