The Cabinet Office has released a timetable that introduces new powers for the Charity Commission from July. In response to this the Commission has launched a consultation to engage with the sector on how it should use its new powers.

The Government has expressed its intention to bring in a small Charitable Donations Bill in an attempt to simplify the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme. Plus a new gift aid consultation, updated guidance on digital gift aid and an increase in the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme cap.

Launched by the SORP-making body, this new consultation will research the future of the charities SORP based on the recently introduced reporting standard FRS102.

Guidance released by the Commission means that all charities should review their safeguarding practices which may result in some charities facing some significant compliance costs.

Research carried out by the charity regulator details that less than half of all small charities are able to provide accounts on request and adequate annual reports when requested.

Forming part of its new 'digital by default' policy the Commission has launched their new public beta online registration service.

From April 2016, all incorporated charities must keep a new statutory register of people with significant control also known as a PSC register.

A consultation has been launched by the Charity Commission on proposed new directions for independent examiners assessing charities with an annual income between £25,000 and £1m.