Charity 2017 Budget review and analysis

Mar 20, 2017
Author: Simon Bladen
Simon is one of the firm's Audit Partners. Simon is responsible for looking after the firm’s legal, charitable and not-for-profit clients.
Charity 2017 budget

The Chancellor Philip Hammond presented the last Spring Budget on Wednesday 8 March 2017. In his statement the Chancellor was keen to point out that he wanted the tax system to be fair, particularly in relation to the distinction between employed and self-employed individuals. In this article, we look at how the Chancellor’s Spring Budget impacts the charity sector.

In his opening statement, the Chancellor summarised the latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility which show a slow but steady growth throughout the Brexit process. In brief, employment, inflation and trade deficit levels should remain within acceptable levels to the Government.

The undeniable headline from the Budget were the changes to National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for the self-employed – which were later withdrawn by the Government – as well as the forthcoming reduction in the dividend allowance.

In December and January the government issued a number of the clauses in draft of Finance Bill 2017 together with updates on consultations. The Budget updates some of these previous announcements and also proposes further measures. Some of these changes apply from April 2017 whilst others take effect at a later date.

Our summary focuses on the issues likely to affect you and your business.

 

Main Budget tax proposals

Our summary concentrates on the tax measures which include:

  • increases to the Class 4 National Insurance rates – Update 15/03/17 – Chancellor withdraws plans to increase NI.
  • a reduction in the Dividend Allowance from £5,000 to £2,000
  • changes to the timing of Making Tax Digital for smaller businesses

Previously announced measures include:

  • increases to the personal allowance and basic rate band (a decreased band for Scottish residents)
  • the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy
  • changes to corporation tax loss relief
  • the introduction of an additional inheritance tax residence nil rate band
  • changes for non-UK domiciled individuals

Main Budget announcements (charity specific)

  • £20m additional funding for charities working to combat domestic violence
  • Charities to benefit from an extra £12m funded from the tampon tax
  • English councils to receive £300m of discretionary relief to support those affected by increase in business rates – will be available to charities
  • Businesses losing rate relief will see their increases capped at a maximum of £600
  • Extra £2bn to be made available to councils over the next three years for social care

 

Charity 2017 Budget impact


Disappointment overall for charities 

With charities struggling as they are, it is disappointing that there were no sector-wide plans announced by the Chancellor to help alleviate the current situation. While there are positives, charities will have certainly been hoping for additional funding and support.

£2bn for social care

The good news is the extra £2bn for social care which is intended to ease pressures on the NHS. Charities who operate in the healthcare sector will be keeping a keen eye on the Government’s forthcoming Green Paper. This will be looking at how the social care system can be put on a more stable, secure, and sustainable long-term footing, so charities will no doubt be looking ahead to engage with the Government as policies begin to take shape.

Business rates

Another bit of good news is the £435m to support businesses that are affected by the increase to business rates. English councils will see £300m of discretionary relief to use locally and this will be available to charities. As well as that, those who will be losing rate relief will see their increase capped at £600, which is welcome news.

Simon Bladen, Partner and Charity Specialist at Hawsons, had this to say: “I think it’s safe to say that this was not a Budget that will live long in the memories of most charities. But in fairness this Budget paves the way for a Britain post-Brexit with much to concentrate on prior to the official exit. Hopefully in due course the charity sector will receive clarification on its future and the important role it has to play post-Brexit.”

About this Author

Simon Bladen, Partner

Simon Bladen is the partner responsible for looking after the firm’s legal clients and has worked at Hawsons throughout his career. For more information or advice on anything covered in this article, please contact Simon on slb@hawsons.co.uk or 0114 226 7141.[/author_info]