Welcome to the spring edition of Charity Matters, produced by the Charities Team at Cobbetts.

This edition is designed to bring you up to date with new developments and ideas in the charitable sector and includes articles on fundraising, volunteers and charity property transactions.

The Charities Bill, which was introduced into the House of Lords on 20 December 2004, is currently at committee stage in the Lords, but has been delayed by other parliamentary business. It is widely considered that the shortage of parliamentary time means that it is unlikely that the Charities Bill will reach the statute books before the expected General Election in May.

The timing of the introduction of the Bill would then depend on the legislative agenda and priorities of the new Government. We will issue further updates on the progress of the Bill as and when appropriate.

We would also like to take the opportunity to introduce Anne Holmes (partner) and Clare O’Brien (associate), who have relocated from the commercial property department to join the Charities Team in Birmingham. Anne and Clare have significant expertise and experience in advising on all charity property issues and will concentrate exclusively on providing advice and assistance to our charity clients, thereby strengthening the depth and breadth of the services we are able to offer.

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