HC Deb 15 March 2004 vol 419 cc95-6W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how he will monitor compliance with the 2006 full cost recovery commitment for the charitable sector. [158028]

Fiona Mactaggart

I have been asked to reply.

The Role of the Voluntary and Community Sector: a cross cutting review" recommends that all Government Departments will implement the principle of full cost recovery by April 2006.

This recommendation is being taken forward through two main strands of work: Guidance to government departments, as reflected in the HM Treasury 'Guidance to Funders' and forthcoming procurement guidance from the Office for Government Commerce and the Home Office Active Community Unit. This will be reinforced by a revised Compact Code of Good Practice on Funding. Guidance to voluntary and community organisations on identifying costs. This guidance is being taken forward by the Association of Chief Executives in Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) with the aid of a grant from the ACU and advice from a range of government department as well from the National Audit Office.

However, it not intended to introduce a new layer of bureaucracy by monitoring all contracting and grant agreements with the voluntary and community sector. Instead, the Active Community Unit will work with departments to help review existing practice and make changes whenever the opportunity arises. The Active Community Unit will remain in dialogue with the sector booth through a longitudinal study of voluntary and community organisations through the State of the Sector Panel and through general dialogue with the sector.

Mr. Dhanda

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate Her Majesty's Treasury has made of the number of charities that will be affected by the changes to Gift Aid announced in the pre-Budget report; and what cross-departmental steps can be taken to assist charities adversely affected by the changes. [156814]

Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on changes he proposes to the Gift Aid scheme. [157313]

John Healey

I refer the hon. Gentlemen to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Leominster (Mr. Wiggin) on 15 January 2004,Official Report, columns 865–66W. The Government have consulted closely with charities on this issue.