Budget 2015: fixing the (church) roof while the sun shines

The Budget almost always includes a handful of measures specifically directed at charities, but Budget 2015 included several specific items directed at faith groups.

Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme

The Chancellor announced that secondary legislation will be introduced to increase the maximum annual donation amount which can be claimed through the (horribly complicated) Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme to £8,000, allowing charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs to claim Gift Aid style top-up payments of up to £2,000 a year. The change will take effect from April 2016 and will, we understand, also apply to eligible community buildings. As of December 2014 only £23m had been claimed: well below the Government’s original projection of £50m. We understand that one of the drivers behind the increase in the amount that can be claimed is to raise awareness of the scheme’s existence.

Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund Continue reading