New Clause 13
Charities Bill [Lords]
3:15 pm
Edward Miliband (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Cabinet Office; Doncaster North, Labour)
The Committee will recall that, last week, we spent some time discussing the duty on the Charity Commission to act proportionately. The Charity Commission has that duty, and that of acting reasonably. We have strengthened that by giving the commission a specific duty to have regard for the principles of best regulatory practice. Its regulatory activities should be proportionate, accountable, consistent, transparent and targeted only at cases for which they are needed.
That duty applies to all the commission’s functions, including those specified in the new clause. In reaching its decisions in respect of the exercise of its powers, the commission will take all relevant matters into account. On that basis, the commission will be required to follow best regulatory practice. I do not see the need for additional requirements, which would add confusion, not clarity. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will withdraw the motion.