BESIDE the PD tax-cut campaign, the most effective budget lobby in 2006 has concerned concessions to charities. Politicians in Leinster House have heard much in recent weeks about the potential benefits of reducing VAT on charities and the merits of signing over to the sector the /100m collected in stamp duty on bank/credit cards.
While both suggestions deserve consideration, the sector is still unregulated. New legislation is expected to be published early in 2007. Until then it might be best to hold onto public money to ensure that funds go to properly regulated groups.
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