Our Legal Status
We are a non-profit-making organisation, committed to the support of disadvantaged children, and recognised as such by local authorities and the many support groups and registered charities that refer clients to us.
Is HCL a charity and registered with the Charity Commission?
No. We are a non-profit-making organisation with the published purpose of making grants for the benefit of disadvantaged children. We are not required to register with the Charity Commission.
Surely only registered charities can raise funds?
No - that's a common misconception. The law equally allows us to seek donations for the continuance of our published purpose.
Would the public benefit by HCL becoming a registered charity?
No. Our purpose is shown on our leaflets and website and our affairs are conducted with more transparency than is required of registered charities who include, as "charitable expenditure", their office rents, rates utility and phone bills, print and postage, salaries, bank charges, insurance, travel costs, repairs etc. These inclusions cloud the view of what they really spend on those they claim to help! By contrast, we are required to show these items as the operational costs they truly are.
Would HCL benefit by becoming a registered charity?
No. So many aware people are now concerned about the performance and politics of registered charities that we are pleased to have a seperate and more understandable structure and identity. Our reputation is growing as a result of the help we give and the speed with which we give it. With more than 160 help requests handled in two years to August 2007 our record speaks for itself.
To whom can I raise any query or complaint about HCL?
We've received very few enquiries of concern. Nevertheless, good practice requires us to provide a structured Complaints Procedure. If you have any concerns about us whatsoever, feel free to use those procedures. To contact us for any other reason, please call 01604 648700 or e-mail terry@helpingchildrenlocally.org
Tel.01604 648700 : Fax.05600 754 429