Government appoints peer to conduct review of charities law

The government has appointed the President of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) to lead a review of charities law in England and Wales.

When passing the Charities Act 2006, which implemented a number of changes to charities law, Parliament agreed that it should be reviewed after five years to test its effectiveness.

Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts is expected to deliver his report by summer 2012. His review will cover issues such as the definition of charity, and the role and status of the Charity Commission as the sector’s regulator.

The Cabinet Office said Lord Hodgson would also “look at further reducing the burden of regulation whilst preserving safeguards that protect the public interest”.

The peer recently lead a so-called “Red Tape Task Force” that looked at barriers affecting charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises.

Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society, said: “This is an important opportunity to get the legal framework for charities right. Charities play a hugely important role in society and must be supported with a clear and effective legal framework.

“I want to see less red tape for charities and smarter safeguards so the public can be more confident in their support for charities. Lord Hodgson has a wealth of knowledge and experience in this field and will conduct a thorough review.”

Lord Hodgson said: “I want to discover where the legal framework is working and where it’s letting charities and the public down so we can try and put it right. The Charities Act 2006 changed the legal framework and it is right that the effect of these changes should now be assessed.”

In addition to his role with NCVO, Lord Hodgson is also Chairman of the Armed Forces Charities Advisory Company and a trustee of Fair Trials International.