Charity bank accounts boosted by Give As You Earn

Charity bank accounts have been boosted over the past ten years by individuals donating through the Give As You Earn scheme, which allows people to provide money tax-free via their payroll.

The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) reports £81 million was bestowed last year, an increase of 153 per cent on 1999/2000, when £31 million changed hands using this method.

Bank accounts of 20,600 third sector organisations have been swelled through the scheme, which is used by half a million people from 3,000 companies, many of which match employee donations to double the amount given.

Chief executive John Low explained: "Give As You Earn is one of the best ways to give to charity because every time a basic rate taxpayer gives £10 to charity in this way it only costs them £8."

He added the system allows donation-reliant organisations to make plans thanks to the regular source of income in their bank accounts.

CAF's objective is to provide greater value for charities by changing the way people give and charitable funds are managed.  ADNFCR-2318-ID-800079033-ADNFCR