Rural Transport becomes first registered charity
Lagan Valley Rural Transport, which offers Dial a Lift and social car schemes to people who may not otherwise have access to transport, has today become one of the first entries on the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s new register of charities.
The announcement was made as the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland officially began compulsory registration for all charities in Northern Ireland.
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Hide AdTom McGrath, Chief Commissioner, commented: “I would like to congratulate Lagan Valley Rural Transport on becoming one of Northern Ireland’s first registered charities.
“I am also delighted to announce that today the Commission will begin full charity registration for the first time, marking a new chapter in the history of charity regulation in Northern Ireland.
“Registration will bring huge benefits to the charity sector, and to the people of Northern Ireland, many of whom give their time, money and knowledge to help support the work of the very charities we will be registering.”
Lagan Valley Rural Transport was one of a group of organisations which took part in the Commission’s pilot registration phase, using its application to test drive the Commission’s online registration system and processes.
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Hide AdColin Preen, Chairman at Lagan Valley Rural Transport, commented: “We are very proud to have become one of Northern Ireland’s first registered charities.
“Anyone can now go online and check the register of charities, where they will see Lagan Valley Rural Transport has been legally confirmed by the Commission as a Northern Ireland charity.”
It is important to note that registration of all charities in Northern Ireland will not happen overnight.
It is estimated that there are between 7,000 and 12,000 charities currently operating in Northern Ireland so registration will be a managed process with organisations called forward by the Commission in tranches to apply.
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Hide AdIf you would like to find out more information on registration, including what organisations will be required to register and any steps you can take to prepare your application, visit www.charitycommissionni.org.uk.
For more information on Lagan Valley Rural Transport and its work, visit www.laganvalleyruraltransport.co.uk.