ACAT Coronavirus Update

LET’S state the obvious…
Unanswered questions about the ultimate impact coronavirus will reap on every charity currently preponderate.
At ACAT, we’re continuing to monitor this fast-evolving situation closely.
Our team remain in touch with each other through web conferencing, email and phone calls.
And – as ever – we also want to hear from you.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch by clicking here if you have any questions you’d like answering – we’ll always do our best to help as quickly as we’re able.

We’re very much aware that finances are currently a source of great concern for every church.
For obvious reasons, many churches no longer have a steady inflow of cash from their weekly collection plate.
Not every church is affected equally; in recent years, some churches have liaised with their congregation to pay by standing order.
However, the government has put in place some measures that could ultimately help church treasurers through these truly unchartered waters.

1. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is a temporary scheme designed to support employers whose operations have been severely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
   Employers can use a portal to claim for 80% of employees on a leave of absence – referred to as “furloughed” – usual monthly wage costs, up to £2,500 a month, plus the associated Employer National Insurance contributions and minimum automatic enrolment employer pension contributions on that wage.
   The scheme is open to all UK employers – including charities – that had created and started a PAYE payroll scheme on 28 February 2020.
   For further information click here.
2. Separately, the Charity Commission has announced that any charity that needs an extension to its annual return deadline during the coronavirus pandemic can request one.
   In a bid to help charities at a time when they themselves are assisting some of the most vulnerable in society, the commission said that “as an immediate step, charities due to submit an annual return imminently, but feel unable to do so, can call us to request a filing extension.”
   For more information about what the Charity Commission is doing to help, click here.

The current measures being announced by the government to counter the financial impact of coronavirus are unprecedented and will be welcomed by every charity – and not just those linked to churches.
As soon as we know more, we’ll let you know.
In the meantime, please do take care of yourself and your loved ones – and don’t hesitate to get in touch if we can help.