§ Lord Freybergasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many charities there are in the United Kingdom; and how many of these are (a) incorporated trading and incorporated non-trading charities; and (b) unincorporated non-trading charities. [HL493]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalThe Charity Commission is the non-ministerial government department responsible for the regulation of charities in England and Wales. Not all charities are registered with the commission, some are not allowed to register (exempt charities) and others are excepted from the requirement to register.
108WAIn Scotland the Scottish Charities Index is maintained by the Inland Revenue. Around 28,000 charities are currently on the index although many of these are not active. Details of whether charities are trading or non-trading are not held.
There is no register of charities in Northern Ireland. Northern Irish charities wishing to claim charitable tax exemptions apply to the Inland Revenue. Approximately 3,700 Northern Irish charities have made claims over the four years to March 2003. Details of whether charities are trading or non-trading are not held.