Scots to update charities law

Measures to update and strengthen Scottish charity law were
unveiled by the Scottish executive last week.

The draft Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Bill proposes
to create a new Scottish definition of charity, based on the
principle of public benefit outlined in the draft charities bill
for England and Wales last week (news, page 8, 3 June).

It will also give an enhanced range of powers to the new Office of
the Scottish Charity Regulator, which will have responsibility for
granting charitable status to organisations, regulating fundraising
activity, and maintaining a register of all charities operating in
Scotland.

Leon Thompson from the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations
said he welcomed the draft bill “which will modernise the legal
framework which underpins the contribution that Scottish charities
make to the public good in Scotland”. The key aim is to maintain
public confidence in Scottish charities, he added.

– The executive consultation runs until 25 August. More information
at www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations