Charities Bill published
18 Nov 04
New Bill to create proper framework for charities regulation in Scotland
Proposed legislation aimed at increasing public confidence in Scotland's charities, has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament.
The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Bill, now published, seeks to repeal existing charity law and create a single framework for charity regulation in Scotland.
New measures contained in the Bill are:
* A new definition of "charity" that is based on the principle of public benefit
* Enhanced powers for Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)
* Provisions for ensuring firmer regulation of fundraising activities. Under the provisions of the Bill, OSCR would gain responsibility for granting charitable status and maintaining a statutory register of all charities operating in Scotland.
Any organisation wishing to qualify for charitable status would need to show that its purposes fall within one or more the categories set out in the Bill and show that the charity will provide public benefit.
The charity fundraising sector is currently developing a system of self-regulation which will run alongside the provisions contained in the Bill.
Jane Ryder, Chief Executive of OSCR, said:
"Comments and suggestions made in response to consultation on the draft Bill have been incorporated. I believe this will help to strengthen reform of charity regulation and legislation in Scotland and will be good for the general public and the charity sector."