Charities Act

The Act gives an explanation of what a “charity” is and describes “charitable purpose”.   A new form of charitable body will be created called a charitable incorporated organisation and there will be a compulsory register of all charities operating in Northern Ireland.

The Act also sets up a new organisation the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) and a process for anyone to make an appeal against the decision made by the CCNI, the Charity Tribunal for Northern Ireland. Sections 6 to 11 (and Schedule 1) of the Act list the Charity Commission’s objectives, purpose, general duties and powers.  The Commission will be a non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) supported by the Department for Social Development (DSD).