Church hoping to encourage more of their members to give in a tax efficient way can find additional help on the Southwark Diocesan Website (www.dswark.org). It carries a downloadable spreadsheet in various formats of Microsoft Excel, which parishes can use to record donations and simplify the process of reclaiming tax. Other dioceses are welcome to make use of this facility rather than try to produce their own material.

UK taxpayers making donations under the Gift Aid Scheme can give a simple declaration that will result in making all subsequent donations tax efficient. Covenants will remain valid for the period and amount that they represent but additional gifts will require a Gift Aid Declaration to make them tax efficient.

The new scheme also enables churches to reclaim tax on visitors' contributions. They can make "one-off" payments tax efficient by using an envelope with a specific declaration printed on the outside.

The Diocese have produced a simple leaflet to introduce the new scheme to church members which is available from Communications and Resources at the Southwark Diocesan office; it has a short introduction and answers some commonly asked questions. The text of the leaflet is also on the website.

Diocesan Secretary Simon Parton comments, "This is a wonderful opportunity and encourages parishes to think creatively about using the new scheme."

Ends.

For further information contact: