04: New structure for charitable companies

Previously, charities that wanted a corporate structure have had to register both as companies and as charities, which has meant they have had to meet the dual regulatory requirements of both the Charity Commission and Companies House.

The 2006 Act creates a new vehicle for these charities: the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This will have the advantages of having a corporate structure (such as limited personal liabilities for trustees) without the burden of the dual layer of regulation.