Coalition peers will block cap on charity donations, poll shows
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Government is facing strong opposition in the House of Lords to its plan to impose a cap on tax relief on charitable donations.
A survey of 79 Conservative and Liberal Democrat peers found that 70 per cent believe charitable gifts should be exempt from the cap announced in the March Budget, while 81 per cent think the ceiling will reduce the funds available for the work of charities.
Ministers will meet charity leaders today at an event called the Giving Summit, but it has been scaled down following the row which erupted after George Osborne announced that tax relief would be capped at £50,000 or 25 per cent of annual income, whichever is greater. The Government is thought likely to make a tactical retreat to limit the impact on charities.
According to the summit's agenda, one hour will be devoted to a discussion of the tax relief cap, hosted by David Gauke, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury. The chief executive of Marie Curie Cancer Care, Thomas Hughes-Hallett, said that if no movement on the issue was forthcoming, "we really need to make a fuss".
A separate poll of 2,000 voters by ComRes found that six out of 10 people believe there should be no ceiling. The same proportion think the proposal contradicts the idea of a "Big Society".
John Low, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, which commissioned both polls, said: "We are not asking the Government to drop caps on all tax relief. We are only calling for charitable donations to be exempt."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments