Charities regulator

The recent announcement by the Scottish charity law review committee that a charities' regulator should be established in Scotland was warmly welcomed by the charity law research unit in the law department. The recommendations of the Commission reflect virtually all the proposals made by the research unit in a report prepared for the Scottish Office last year.

Stuart Cross, a specialist in incorporated charities in the law department said: "The proposals are to be welcomed, particularly in the way they clarify the regulatory system for the charitable sector. If these proposals are accepted, charities will no longer have to worry about dealing with a whole range of official organisations. There is however still work to be done. Exactly what is meant by "public benefit" will undoubtedly be the subject of heated debate. Our team welcomes the report and we are pleased that our research findings have been useful in informing the Commission."

Chaired by Jean McFadden of Strathclyde University, the Commission was established by the Scottish Executive in April 2000. Its remit was wide ranging and it was tasked with considering the law relating to charities in Scotland and recommending any reforms considered necessary.

CharityScotland, if established, will take over all regulatory and advisory functions relating to charities. In many respects it is modelled on the Charity Commission in England and Wales and will be independent of government.

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