Intention to Amend The Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008

A need has arisen to secure further clarity and legal certainty in relation to the definition of “charity” and the application of a public benefit test as set out in the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.  The Department for Social Development is working to secure this clarification and legal certainty at the earliest opportunity.

The Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 which was granted Royal Assent in September 2008 provides for a new regulatory framework for all charities operating in Northern Ireland. The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, a non-departmental public body, is Northern Ireland’s first regulator and registrar of charities; it is tasked with a major programme of charity law reform which will promote good governance of, and increase public confidence in, the charitable sector.  

The Department is currently giving detailed consideration to the matter with a view towards bringing forward any necessary legislative amendment as expeditiously as possible.