MP ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO USE NEW CHARITY REGISTER

11.20.01am GMT Wed 19th Nov 2008

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt is today encouraging local people to find out more about the charities they support from a new online Register. The new version of the independent charity regulator's Register, launched last month, aims to increase the transparency and accountability of the charity sector and to help people access information about charities.

The new version of the Charity Commission's online Register makes information on charities more accessible than ever before. It provides colour graphics and details of activities, trustees, key financial information and whether charities file their accounts and returns on time. For charities with incomes over £500,000, new financial profiles show what they receive and how they spend their money.

According to recent Ipsos MORI research for the Charity Commission*, 96% of people believe it is important that charities provide public information on how they spend their money.

Lorely said:

"The Charity Commission's new Register makes it far easier for the public to see how charities are using their money. Solihull is home to many registered charities which are making a real difference to our community. I'd encourage you to take a look at the new Register to find out more about the charities you support."

Last year (June 07-June 08) there were nearly 15 million page views of the online Register, which accounts for more than half of all page views on the Charity Commission website.

Lorely has shown her support by signing a Parliamentary motion praising the new Register. She encourages people in Solihull to use it to find out more about the charities they support by visiting the website at www.charitycommission.gov.uk.