HC Deb 20 January 2000 vol 342 c559W
Helen Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to extend the Charity Commission's role in advising charities on issues relating to corporate governance; and if he will make a statement. [105918]

Mr. Boateng

I have no plans to extend the Charity Commission's advisory role. The Commission has a statutory role to give trusteesinformation and advice on any matter affecting the charity".

It gives such advice in response to trustees' requests and on its own initiative.

If there is misconduct or mismanagement by trustees, the Commission can intervene directly in the running of the charity. It has statutory powers to remove those responsible for misconduct and to protect the charity's assets from misuse.

Trustees who run their charity in accordance with its constitution and the law have full discretion over the charity's policies and activities, and are accountable for their decisions. The Commission may give advice and information, but it is statutorily debarred from acting in the administration of a charity.