Charities Urged to Apply for Share of £2m Funding Pot

Funding Pot of £2m Available to Charities

Barber Harrison & Platt, the region’s largest independent firm of chartered accountants, is urging local charities to bid for a share of a £2m funding pot before 12 November 2008.

Charities and community organisations across the United Kingdom have until this date to bid for a share of a £2.33m funding pot to help vulnerable people reduce debt and get the right benefits and tax.

Voluntary and community organisations, charities, social enterprises, mutuals and co-operatives can apply.

The HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) funding available for 2009/2010 is £1.05m, with another £1.28m available for 2010/2011.

Jane Marshall, Partner and Head of the Charities & Not for Profit team at BHP said “Many vulnerable people don’t claim benefits that they are entitled to. This money will assist the people who need it most.  The aim of HMRC in making this funding available is to ensure also that people are made aware of how they can reduce their debts and pay the right tax.”

Organisations will be told if their bids have been successful by 19 January 2009.

For the funding guidance check: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vcs/guidance0809.htm

ENDS 

Notes to Editors:    

Barber Harrison & Platt is one of the leading firms of independent Chartered Accountants in the North of England.  It is the only independent firm in Yorkshire to be listed in Accountancy Magazine’s Annual Top 60* where it is currently placed 55. The firm has 15 Partners and 160 staff at offices in Sheffield and Chesterfield.

Barber Harrison & Platt provides the full range of audit, accounts and taxation services.  It also has one of the largest corporate finance teams in the area and was recently named Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year at the Insiders South Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards.

*Accountancy is the journal of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and publishes the Top 60 league table annually in its July edition.

For further information please contact:

Louise Bright     0114 266 7171  

louise.bright@bhp.co.uk

Jane Marshall     0114 266 7171

jane.marshall@bhp.co.uk