The Charity Law Research Unit at the University of Dundee today welcomed the proposals for a Scottish charities regulator which could be called CharityScotland. The recommendations of the Scottish Charity Law Review Commission reflect virtually all the recommendations made by the Research Unit in a report prepared for the Scottish Office last year.
Stuart Cross, a specialist in incorporated charities at the University of Dundee 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. The Dundee 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. The Commission has also recommended that Scotland should have a new definition of charity.ENDS
Contact Stuart Cross 01382 344603