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Membership-based Charity Organisations
17 December 2025
Lead MP
Caroline Dinenage
Gosport
Con
Responding Minister
Stephanie Peacock
Tags
EconomyTaxation
Word Count: 7093
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Caroline Dinenage raised concerns about membership-based charity organisations in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should provide support to help these organisations cope with financial challenges and ensure they can continue their important work without further strain.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Charity organisations are under strain due to financial pressures, increased service demands, and declining donations. The National Trust has seen an increase in costs leading to changes such as replacing homemade scones, while the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is operating at 120% capacity.
Gosport
Asked for action and certainty on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act's impact on charities.
West Dorset
Asked if the hon. Member agrees that membership-based organisations and charities preserve national heritage, referring to the fundraiser by the National Trust for the Cerne Abbas giant.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Congratulated Dame Caroline Dinenage on securing the debate and highlighted the importance of Government working alongside member-based charitable organisations such as the National Trust, English Heritage, and the British Legion.
Joe Robertson
Con
Isle of Wight East
The hon. Member highlights his background working for a charity and discusses the economic impact of charities, noting the financial challenges they face due to impending regulatory changes, budget cuts, and increased employer national insurance contributions.
Liz Jarvis
LD
Eastleigh
Stated concerns over national insurance hikes affecting charities, citing plans by the National Trust to cut 550 jobs. Called for urgent secondary legislation to protect gift aid on membership subscriptions.
Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire
Asked if the Government would consider charities as separate organisations when introducing legislation that affects them.
Government Response
Stephanie Peacock
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
Government Response
The Minister thanks hon. Members for their contributions and acknowledges the importance of membership-based charities in the UK. She mentions that her department is committed to supporting these organisations and addressing their concerns, including those related to gift aid, subscription cooling-off periods, and regulatory changes. Over the past year, I have engaged with many charities to understand their concerns about the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act. The Government continues to carefully consider these issues and is committed to continuing close engagement with charities on subscription regulations. HMRC’s guidance has been changed to allow eligible charities to continue claiming gift aid on membership subscriptions. Additionally, the employment allowance was more than doubled to support small businesses and charities. Direct funding initiatives such as the £270 million arts everywhere fund and the better futures fund provide significant financial support for charitable organisations. The Government also supports charities through tax reliefs, including gift aid and VAT exemptions, which benefit numerous organisations annually. Outlined work to connect philanthropists with local communities, reduce administrative burdens by 25%, save charities £47 million annually through updated financial thresholds, and establish a civil society covenant and council.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.