Charity regulator reveals record number of applications for charitable status and increase in trust in charities, annual report shows

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13th September 2024 12:25 - Voluntary

Charity regulator reveals record number of applications for charitable status and increase in trust in charities: The Charity Commission, which regulates charities in England and Wales, revealed a record-breaking number of applications for charitable status in its annual report, up almost 5% on the previous year. The report cited 9,008 applications in the year ending March 2024, up from 8,583 the previous year, citing the cost-of-living crisis as a large factor in this increase. Over half of the applications were approved (54%), an 8% increase on the previous year, bringing the total number of registered charities to 170,056 as of March 2024.

A second annual report from the Commission, on research into public trust in charities and trustees’ experience of their role, has highlighted that trust levels in charities are quite high and scores have improved year on year. The rise in trust, from 6.3/10 to 6.5/10, means charities remain the second most trusted public organisation within the annual report (58% high trust); a position they have held since 2020, with doctors remaining in the top spot with 68% high trust.

The trust report also highlighted how recent news coverage of charities has resulted in the majority of the public feeling either more positive or indifferent towards charities overall (74%). Over a third of those surveyed said coverage made no difference to their opinion of charities (34%), whereas almost half said it made them feel more positive towards them (48%). In contrast, just 15% said coverage made them feel negative toward charities.

The increase in trust and confidence in charities year on year was also referenced within the Commission’s annual report. Orlando Fraser, chair of the Commission, acknowledged how he feels the role and importance of charities will continue to grow but it is dependent on public trust:

“Much has shifted for the sector, and the Commission over the past 12 months, and there is no doubt much change ahead – social, political, cultural. But I am certain that charities’ role in our society will only continue to grow. Charities are, and will remain, at the beating heart of every community across England and Wales. Their success rests not least on effective regulation that upholds and promotes public trust and support for charities. I know we have risen to that challenge this year, and am confident we will again, in the year ahead.”

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