Letter: Charities working hard for their money - and supporting the Exchequer
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.Sir: Chris Blackhurst ("Can we have faith in charities?", 24 August) was unnecessarily alarmist: "This year charitable tax exempt status will cost the Exchequer pounds 725m,"
Charities contribute through VAT receipts, as unlike commercial organisations they are in most cases unable to reclaim VAT on the goods and services they buy. The increase in VAT to 17.5 per cent a few years ago hit charities hard; and we now have to contend with the recently-imposed VAT on recruitment advertising. Charities are an enormous source of employment, so staff contribute through PAYE and National Insurance to the Exchequer. I think it is quite possible that the Government receives more in VAT and tax receipts from charities than it loses in tax exemption.
MARK PEMBERTON
North London Theatre Trust
E-mail: mp001@netgates.co.uk
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments