SCOTTISH CHARITY BILL CLEARS FIRST HURDLE

[MEMBERS OF THE Scottish Parliament have voted unanimously to support the general principles of the Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1 of its passage through the Parliamentary process. The Bill seeks to improve the accountability and transparency of charities and increase the powers of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville commented: “Our focus is to ensure the best possible conditions for the sector, which plays a vital role in our society, to thrive. Current charity law is now over 17 years old and the sector has changed significantly in that time. That is why we want to strengthen, modernise and improve charity regulation to ensure it meets the needs of charities.

“Scottish charities have a combined income of £14bn each year, so it’s crucial the way they are regulated remains fit for purpose. Charities are widely supported by the public. Trust in them and what they deliver is high, and we want to keep it that way.”

The Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Bill is a commitment in the Scottish Government’s 2022-23 Programme for Government.

Its provisions include:

• Updating the criteria for the automatic disqualification of charity

• trustees and extending it to individuals with specific senior

• management positions in charities