Local charities worry proposed Bracknell Forest Council tax changes could severely impact their services and sustainability.
Currently, charities get extra tax relief from the council. It’s twenty percent, above the government’s eighty percent. Other areas often give less, around two and a half percent they say. The current full relief costs taxpayers about £155,000 yearly.
The council asked locals and charities for their views. Charities raised concerns about the possible change. Seventeen local groups joined the conversation. They included Youthline and the Ark Trust.
Most agreed relief is good, but had different ideas. Many thought local charities should come first. Some favored groups aiding Bracknell people. Others said big charities also need help. They also serve the community, they explained.
One small charity called the rate relief quite vital. Another warned of rising costs, like National Insurance. They said the change could hurt them severely. Another said charities could become unsustainable.
The Ark Trust called last year their hardest ever. Their CEO wants to prioritize local impact. A council leader called the current system unusual. It seemed too broad, she stated back in February.
She wants to focus relief on local aid. She thanked charities for their work in the community. Still, she claimed the current support is very generous. Taxpayer money might be better used, she thinks. Any policy changes would start in April of 2026.