Agreement on charitable objects

At last..,

HMRC have provided us with alternative words for our "charity objects". If you have been following this blog you may recall they had an issue back in April/May time. This centred on our trust deed and the objects (objectives) of the charity. We had used the phrase "to raise funds for...". HMRC said that raising funds was not in itself a charitable objective, and we offered to remove this phrase leaving " provision of specialist equipment, support and resource....".

They have just come back with alternative words, which although a bit long-winded, I think we should accept. The new wording is:

"To relieve children of all ages with complex needs (that is suffering from two or more special needs) arising from mental, physical, behavioural or educational difficulties residing within the "PL" postcode through the provision of specialist items, equipment, resource and support which may be required".

phew...

We will look to incorporate this into our trust deed at the next update, and continue to pursue a gift aid reference number.

Although this is a bit frustrating in the time taken to resolve, it should make life easier when we come to register the charity with the charity commission in 2009. We are preparing paperwork for submission which will show that we believe our income for the year April '09 - March 2010 will exceed £5k. This is the level at which a charity needs to become formally registered with the charity commission.

Finally, what a great piece of negotiation by all involved at Princess yachts this week. Rather than make people redundant and face losing everything, the employer, unions and employees have agreed a reduction in hours across the board. A great example of people working together to make the best out of the current economic situation.

PJ