Charities able to seek extension of annual returns during coronavirus

The Charity Commission has been warned that during the coronavirus pandemic, the charity sector will be challenged with looking after its staff, volunteers and trustees who may fall ill, have to self-isolate, or have to look after loved ones. But the sector also has a vital role to play in looking after its beneficiaries, many of whom will be among the most vulnerable during this public health emergency. 

"We want to assure charities that our approach to regulation during this period will be as flexible and supportive as possible," the Charity Commission said in a statement. 

"Charities’ primary interest, and ours, must be looking after the public and the communities that we serve. Charities can feel confident that we will, where possible, act in a pragmatic way by taking account of the wider public interest during this unprecedented period."

As an immediate step, charities that are due to submit an annual return imminently, but feel unable to do so, are being advised to contact the Charity Commission to request a filing extension. 

"We have been discussing the impact of the current situation with government and the sector and will continue to do so over the coming days. Any further measures we can take to help will be communicated in due course," it said.

The Charity Commission is advising charities to use GOV.UK as the main source of information about the pandemic.