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Charity sector: Autumn news and trends

05 Oct 2020

September was a month of transition. After months of steadily declining infection rates, increased hopes of a vaccine breakthrough and a growing sense of optimism about reaching some state of (new) normality, it becomes apparent that the world's recovery from COVID will be stilted by local lockdown measures and wider restrictions on social interaction.

Higher education – facing up to the financial challenges of COVID-19

01 Oct 2020

The world of higher education is a varied place. Universities came into the COVID-19 crisis with varied levels of reserves on their balance sheets. Similarly, some generated substantial annual surpluses whilst others have had net losses for several consecutive years.

WBD advises West Berkshire Council on UK’s first Community Municipal Investment

21 Sep 2020

Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has advised West Berkshire Council on the UK's first Community Municipal Investment (CMI) – a bond issued by a local authority directly to the public.

Planning for the Future: white paper consultations for reforming the planning system in England

17 Aug 2020

On 6 August the Government published its much-anticipated White Paper 'Planning for the Future'. For a white paper it contains a remarkable number of consultation proposals for a reworked planning system for England which looks ambitious, though fundamental aspects of the system remain. The consultation on the White Paper's proposals closes on 29 October 2020 and any proposals will require primary legislation.

A people-focused system: an overview of trailed planning paper

05 Aug 2020

Nearly £1.3bn of investment was confirmed by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick on 4 August which includes funding for over 300 successful, 'shovel-ready', projects (selected by Local Enterprise Partnerships and Mayoral Combined Authorities), which are set to receive a share of £900m from the Getting Building Fund.

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) – Charity Commission inquiry

04 Aug 2020

The Charity Commission has published its inquiry report into mismanagement at RNIB, describing the case as "one of the worst examples … of poor governance and oversight having a direct impact on vulnerable people".

Does the cap fit? Limit on exit payments in the public sector inches closer

30 Jul 2020

The Government has been considering a cap of £95,000 on public sector exit payments since 2015. We have had no news on this for over a year since HM Treasury launched a consultation on draft Regulations in April 2019. However, the Treasury has published its response to that consultation and we are now much closer to a cap being implemented.

FAQs: mobilising your charity during COVID-19

30 Jun 2020

Charities have been dealing with the impact of COVID-19 and considering how to move forward as we come out of lockdown. We take a look at some frequently asked questions for arts, faith-based charities, schools and universities.

Charities in the wake of COVID-19 - financial challenges and insolvency

24 Jun 2020

The pandemic has strained the fabric of society with its impacts felt across the full spectrum of charities across the sector. Charities are ready to embrace that challenge. Many can see an opportunity to make more difference, to more people, than ever before. But we must not lose sight of the fact that charities are stepping up to the plate against a backdrop of their own difficulties. Fundraising activities have been restricted and volunteers forced to shield.

Charities: getting back to business

15 Jun 2020

After three months of lockdown, thousands of non-essential shops and department stores have finally started to reopen and our high streets are slowly starting to come back to life.

In this article we explore what charity shops (an essential source of many charities' incomes) should be doing before and when reopening their doors, as well as looking at how the charity sector in general can be using digital to help recover from COVID-19.

Related insights: Public, Government Services and Third Sector

Charity sector: Autumn news and trends

Higher education – facing up to the financial challenges of COVID-19

WBD advises West Berkshire Council on UK’s first Community Municipal Investment

Planning for the Future: white paper consultations for reforming the planning system in England

A people-focused system: an overview of trailed planning paper

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) – Charity Commission inquiry

Does the cap fit? Limit on exit payments in the public sector inches closer

FAQs: mobilising your charity during COVID-19

Charities in the wake of COVID-19 - financial challenges and insolvency

Charities: getting back to business

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Related insights: Public, Government Services and Third Sector

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