The review, the first systematic look at charity tax reliefs in over 20 years, will examine the role charities play in society, and seek to identify ways to improve the efficiency and efficacy of the current system.

The commission’s 16-week call for evidence invites submissions from anyone with relevant knowledge, expertise or experience of the system of charitable tax reliefs in the UK, including charities, donors, academics, think tanks, representative bodies, accountants, philanthropy and financial advisers and tax professionals.

The commission will look at the full range of taxes and tax reliefs that charities and donors are subject to and benefit from – including business rates relief, social investment tax relief, gift aid, VAT exemption and inheritance tax relief. In particular, the commissioners are interested in receiving views on the extent to which current system directs the activities of charities and encourages certain behaviour.

Against a backdrop of increased scrutiny of how charities spend public money, the commission is also seeking views on ways to increase transparency without significantly increasing the administrative burden on charities.

Sir Nicholas Montagu, chair of the Charity Tax Commission, said: ‘It's time for a fresh look, and we want to hear from a wide range of people with experience and expertise in the field about what changes they think are needed. This is not about throwing money at the sector. It's about using the public money that's already there to make the system work more effectively for charities and their beneficiaries.'

The call for evidence closes on 6 July. Alongside the consultation, the commission will also be holding a series of public evidence-gathering meetings across the UK during the consultation period.

Charity Tax Commission call for evidence is here.

Report by Pat Sweet