Gift Aid Changes

12 December 2007

The Clifton Diocese is working to hard to let generous parishioners know about important changes to the Gift Aid scheme.

Like many charities, parishes throughout the Clifton Diocese will lose income when tax changes take effect on 6 April 2008. 

At the moment the tax man pays us 28p for every £1.00 given using the Gift Aid scheme.  From next April that figure will fall to 25p.  Although this seems a small amount, it means a reduction of more than 11% in the amount that can be claimed on behalf of generous parishioners and will cost our parishes around £70,000 in the next year alone!

To help offset this loss of income the Clifton Diocese is sending out striking posters and leaflets informing parishioners of this change and giving people the opportunity to review their giving.  People who do not currently take advantage of Gift Aid are being encouraged to do so.  Volunteer Gift Aid parish secretaries have received special advice so they can inform local parish communities.  Talks will be given in parishes in the New Year. 

The leaflets include a message from the Bishop of Clifton, Right Reverend Declan Lang asking people to make the most of what they so generously give.  He says, “Throughout the diocese we are drawing up pastoral guidelines for the mission of our parishes and other communities.  In drawing up our plans we need to ensure we can resource them properly. Gift Aid is a simple way of increasing financial giving without pain.”

Catholic accountant Alison Byrne said, “The Gift Aid awareness raising happening in the Clifton Diocese is really important.  The forthcoming changes in tax make a real difference to parish finances.  It’s great the local Church is taking action now to ensure all our parishes know about the changes - and in such an attractive way.  These posters and leaflets will really catch people’s attention.”

There has already been a welcome from parishioners, confirming the Gift Aid message is getting across throughout the West Country.  Doug Lowe from Taunton said, “I’m pleased to see the Clifton Diocese making this important information available in such a positive and accessible way.  It’s certainly helped me to think again about how I give to my parish.”  

As well as leaflets and posters being available in all parishes, they can be downloaded from the multimedia panel on the right. 

Friendly help and advice is on hand at the Clifton Diocese Finance Office.