Editor's comment
Is the way forward clear?
We live in an ever changing world and that is as true for
charities as for any other organisation. Without change, there is
the threat of stagnation, but too much change gives rise to
instability and makes it difficult for us to plan ahead.
Sometimes apparent changes are not what they seem. The
Chancellor's announcement of 'big help' for charities
is to be welcomed, particularly by those charities suffering from
reductions in Government income, be it a sudden cessation or a more
gradual erosion. However, looking behind the rhetoric, the changes
happening now are quite minor and the proposed consultations which
might give rise to more significant changes in the future do not
help now. Similarly, the changes to the VAT regime will have
limited impacts on most charities. VAT on shared services is a
significant barrier which prevents charities working together
– unfortunately the only response has been a number of
promises
