We are cautiously optimistic following the UK government’s announcement of £750m worth of aid to charities as part of its response to coronavirus, including £370m allocated to small and medium-sized charities.

Whilst it is unclear how the money will be distributed, this is hopefully the first stage of government relief efforts to support the VCSE sector.

Here’s what we know so far:

Bristol City Council has reaffirmed its support for those struggling to pay their council tax during the COVID-19 crisis.

Even before the coronavirus pandemic, the council already offered reductions to those who might be struggling due to financial difficulties.

Now the council is reassuring residents that it will extend this support to those finding it difficult to pay as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.

HMRC is postponing the digital links phase of its Making Tax Digital initiative due to the coronavirus outbreak.

HMRC told Charity Tax Group (CTG): “We understand that the impact of Covid-19 is creating extremely difficult times for all, and we are committed to helping in every way possible all those businesses facing unprecedented challenges.

The Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) has published its State of Local Government Finance report. 

The report is based on information provided by senior figures from around half of all English Councils.  

According to LGiU, this year’s findings tell a story of local government battling with the consequences of years of under-investment and neglect but continuing to be ambitious and innovative on behalf of their residents and places. 

Key findings included: 

The government is proposing that charitable trusts should be exempt from registering with the Trusts Registration Service.

The announcement was made in a technical consultation on the Fifth EU Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD) on the 24 January.