Charity Commission Finds No Serious Regulatory Issues with Plymouth Brethren Charities

The Charity Commission has concluded that no serious regulatory issues have been found with charities associated with the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. A new report based on a review of 24 of the more than 100 gospel hall trusts registered as charities in recent years indicates that these organizations demonstrate public benefit through engagement with the wider community.

The commission had previously faced a dispute with the Plymouth Brethren, beginning in February 2009 when the Preston Down Trust, a Devon-based congregation, sought charitable status. The initial application was rejected in June 2012 due to concerns that the trust did not sufficiently advance religion for public benefit. The commission cited the Plymouth Brethren’s doctrine of separation from society as a key factor in its decision.

The trust appealed to the charity tribunal in July 2012, but the case was later dropped. In 2014, the commission accepted the brethren’s charitable status, provided the Preston Down Trust amended its trust documents through a deed of variation. This document outlines the church’s core religious doctrines and practices, binding on trustees. The commission agreed to review the charity’s compliance with the deed of variation after 12 months.

In its latest report, the commission noted that its monitoring included conversations with individuals concerned about the treatment of former members. It emphasized that trustees are not responsible for the actions of individual members. The commission expects trustees to ensure that deeds of variation are accessible to members and to engage in regular discussions about their provisions.

The commission also provided regulatory advice regarding the trusts’ collections from congregations to ensure that charities maintain control over their charitable income. Michelle Russell, director of investigations, monitoring and enforcement at the Charity Commission, stated that the review provides public reassurance that trustees are embedding the principles of the deed of variation into the management of their charities. She added that regulatory guidance has been provided to some trusts and expects consistent adherence to it.

Source: Read the original report