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  • Important changes to water charges exemption for charities

    Created: 25/08/2016
    News/Events Category: General News


    Charities will now have to apply for an exemption for water and sewerage charges, so the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has published a briefing note to assist the process.

    The Scottish Government has altered the exemption scheme to require that organisations are either a charity or register with HMRC as a Community Amateur Sports Club (CASCs) to claim an exemption on water and sewerage charges.

    Registered charities which have an income of less than £200,000 no longer need to pay water and sewerage charges, while those with incomes between £200,000 and £300,000 pay a reduced rate.

    There are a few exceptions. Charities and CASCs will NOT be eligible for support where one or more of the following conditions are met:
    • the charity holds a permanent alcohol licence to sell alcohol at the premises
    • the premises is a charity shop or other premises used for the purposes of retailing new or second hand merchandise
    • the premises operates as a café which is open to the public and operated on a regular basis to generate income. This excludes canteens that have been provided by the charity to support its own volunteers
    • The organisation is a Local Authority or an Arms-Length External Organisation (ALEO) which means organisations that can be used by councils to deliver services

    The old scheme ceased on 31 March 2015 and this scheme replaces it. Those organisations that are already eligible under the current arrangements will be exempt from charges in 2015-16 and do not need to apply to receive support during 2015-16.

    However, in the coming months Licensed Providers will contact their customers that are eligible for the existing scheme to advise them what they need to do for 2016-17. The scheme is administered by the water industry on behalf of the Scottish Government.

    The application process for the new scheme is now open to new entrants. Potentially eligible charities and CASCs may want to ensure relevant accounts have been prepared and, in the case of charities, submitted to OSCR to ensure they can receive support from April 2015.

    Application forms should be sought from your Licensed Provider. If you do not have a Licensed Provider, you will need to select one. Further information can be found by: click here.

    To find out more about becoming a registered charity or CASC, or for free professional support for your charity or CASC contact us here at FVA.




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