§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amounts charities received in tax concessions and Government grants in each of the last three financial years.
§ Mr. Dorrell[holding answer 26 February 1993]: The total cost of direct tax reliefs benefiting charities is not available. The latest information on the cost of income tax reliefs to charities, including donations by individuals and companies and relief for charities, is given in the table. In addition, inheritance tax relief for gifts and bequests to charities costs about £150 million per annum. The value of VAT reliefs specifically targeted on charities and the disabled is now worth some £150 million per annum. Information on grants to charities specifically in not available, but grants to the voluntary sector totalled £2.36 billion in 1989–90 and £2.68 billion in 1990–91. Comparable information for 1991–92 is not yet available.
£ million1 Cost of income tax relief 1990–91 500 1991–92 570 1992–93 530 1 These figures comprise the total sum repaid to charities and scientific research associations in respect of tax credits on dividends, and income tax deducted at source from other investment income, payments under deeds of covenant, single donations by individuals and companies under the Gift Aid Scheme and donations under the payroll giving scheme. Information is not available about income received by these bodies without deduction of tax and no allowance in the figures is made for this.