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The Charity Commission is exploring all avenues to mitigate its 'violent' cuts, including charging an annual fee for its services. Meanwhile the Big Society Bank faces its own financial hurdle before it's even launched, as potential investments are left hanging in the air when talks by commercial banks end in disagreement. Also, an update on the controversial RSPCA legacy hearing as the Court of Appeal releases its reasons for rejecting the charity's appeal. And, as always, much more...

Commission could charge large charities £5,000 a year

Charity Commission chief executive Sam Younger says charging charities an annual fee in order to help fund the regulator is "something we need to look hard at", but it would require legislative change.

Court gives reasons for dismissing RSPCA appeal

The Court of Appeal has today published its reasons for rejecting the RSPCA's appeal against the High Court's decision to overturn the will of Mrs Joyce Gill.

Localism Bill will 'remove barriers' for civil society

The Localism Bill put to Parliament yesterday by the coalition government will 'remove barriers' for the sector, if the right assistance is provided, the Society Investment Business' chief executive, Jonathan Lewis has said.

£1.5bn Big Society Bank fund hangs in balance as banking talks fail

Secret talks between a number of the UK's major banks, which are said to include plans to provide £1.5bn to the Big Society Bank, have broken down, the Sunday Telegraph has reported.

Social returns are ok, says Commission's new investment guidance

The Charity Commission has produced new guidance clarifying that it is amenable to allowing charities to choose investments that provide social as well as purely financial benefits.

55 per cent tax on pension fund legacy donations scrapped

The Charity Finance Directors' Group has claimed victory in persuading the government to scrap plans for a 55 per cent tax on pension fund legacy donations.

The government has scrapped the 'two-tier code' - the set of regulations covering employee benefits for staff recruited by public service providers - in order to make contracting easier for smaller organisations.

The government has finally put forward legislation to replace the controversial substantial donor rules, bringing to an end four years of lobbying from charities.

Research released by the Women's Philanthropy Institute has revealed that women are more likely than men to give money for nearly every type of charitable cause.

The Charity Tax Group is to renew its call for charities to be able to reclaim irrecoverable VAT after a provision allowing academy schools to do so was included in the draft Finance Bill 2011.

The government has said it is not possible to accurately assess the amount that the charitable sector will lose as a result of VAT rising to 20 per cent in January.

The NSPCC raised £100,000 in just 48 hours after an un-prompted campaign on Facebook called for users to help the charity stop child abuse.

Complete the Charity Pay Ratio Survey

In response to debate around the introduction of a 'pay ratio' for public sector organisations, Charity Finance guest editor Andrew Hind issues his request for help researching the situation in the charity sector.

Enthusiasm and instinct alone can't cut it in fundraising

In days past, fundraisers could rely on their good intentions and instincts in doing a good job - no more, says Stephen Pidgeon. Fundraising is now an art that must be learned as well as experienced.

Culture Secretary's sleight of hand: what a performance

Gordon Hunter has spied a trick in the recent philanthropy announcement by the Culture Secretary, but he's not fooled.

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