Chancellor launches Office of Charity and Third Sector Finance

The Chancellor said that Gift Aid now amounted to £625m, repaid to over 60,000 charities, nearly three times the amount paid out in 2000/01.

The new office will advise faith and non-faith charities and third sector organisations on gift aid. It will also act as a policy and strategy network in HM Treasury bringing together all aspects of spending, financial services and tax policy relating to the third sector, including charities, voluntary and community groups, social enterprises, co-operatives and mutuals.

Gordon Brown said:

“The voluntary sector is at the heart of life in every community. To support the activities of the sector further we have set up a new office which will focus on financial support to the sector and coordination of policy. This will also support the largest ever consultation with the third sector and act as a central point of contact for stakeholders.”

The new office will focus on financial support to the sector and will coordinate policy including on spending decisions for the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review. It will also act as a central point of information for stakeholders, with a new website and email contact point.

Non-media enquiries should be addressed to the Treasury Correspondence and Enquiry Unit on 020 7270 4558 or by e-mail to public.enquiries@hm-treasury.gov.uk.