01: Introduction

The Charities Act 2006 became law in November 2006, but some of its main provisions will not in fact be fully in place until 2008.

The new Act, which replaces the Charities Acts of 1992 and 1993, is a major piece of modernising legislation that reflects the changes both in society and in the charitable sector over the last decade. It also provides a clear role for the Charity Commission to strengthen accountability and ensure compliance.

The aims of the new Act are to:

• Provide a modern and effective framework for charities.
• To clarify what charity means in law.
• To improve public trust and confidence – both in the perception and concept of what charity means, and in the actual charities themselves.