Storey wants tighter charity rules

The proposed regulations, contained within the consultation, will require registered charities to file their annual accounts with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, and will make provision for the preparation and scrutiny of charity accounts and annual reports.

The consultation will also seek views on whether the income levels which determine how charities’ accounts are scrutinised should be increased or remain the same.

Minister Storey said: “This consultation proposes regulations which, for the first time in Northern Ireland, will make it a legal requirement for charities to file their annual accounts with the Charity Commission.

“It also aims to promote transparency and public confidence in both individual charities and the charitable sector as a whole. I would call on anyone with an interest in this area to participate in this consultation.”

The consultation document is available from the Department for Social Development’s website.

The eight week consultation will run from 1 September until 30 October 2015 and applies to Northern Ireland only.