The regulator says the latest failing was exacerbated by the fact the charity was previously included in a class inquiry and failed to submit its annual accounting information for the financial years ending 31 March 2014 and 2015. That inquiry concluded on 31 January 2017 following compliance by the trustees.

The Commission says the trustees’ continuing non-compliance in failing to submit accounting information so soon after exiting the class inquiry which covered the same issue, is of serious regulatory concern and warrants investigation.

The charity, which operates in Gateshead and London, has objects for the relief of poverty in the Jewish community and more widely. Its objects also include the advancement of Jewish Orthodox education and religion. Its income averages around £1m annually.

The inquiry will examine the extent to which the trustees are complying with their legal duties in respect of their administration, governance and management of the charity and in particular their compliance with legal obligations for the preparation and filing of the charity’s accounts and other information or returns.  It will also consider the extent to which they have complied with previously issued regulatory guidance.

The Commission says that in addition to obtaining the overdue accounting information, the inquiry will seek to ensure that the trustees comply with their legal duties to file future account submissions within the statutory deadlines.