Gift Aid Emergency Relief Package

That the Parliament supports the call from a coalition of charities from across the UK to introduce Gift Aid Emergency Relief to support third sector organisations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic; notes with concern that charity and voluntary organisations are currently experiencing a severe strain on operations and resources, with evidence from the Charities Aid Foundation suggesting that 35% have experienced an upsurge in demand for services, while 53% have noted a decline in donations; understands that the proposed change, which is backed by the SCVO, would see the Gift Aid claimed on eligible donations increase by a third, up from the current one quarter; notes that this would mean that a £100 donation would increase to £133.33 for the charity once Gift Aid had been claimed; believes that this change could help charities across the UK to access an additional £450 million at a time when they are sorely needed; considers that this would help ensure that this extra revenue is accessible to charities of all sizes; acknowledges that charities and voluntary organisations have provided invaluable support, advice and care for people and communities across Scotland during the pandemic and must now be given practical, political and financial support to help them to continue doing their crucial work as the country seeks to recover and rebuild in the months and years ahead, and joins in supporting these calls to provide emergency relief for the third sector in what are difficult financial times.