Members' log-in

Latest News

Changes in business rate relief for charity shops 'could cost charities in Wales £1.2m'
>> Read more on Wales Online

CRA calls emergency summit after Morgan report proposes "new tax on Welsh charity"
>> Read more

Labour call for local control over high streets
We have written to Ed Miliband and are meeting with the Labour Party Policy Review team to clarify how a proposed new use class for high street businesses might affect charity shops, and to emphasise the economic, social and environmental benefits that charity shops – unlike betting shops and takeaways – bring to local areas.
>> Read more

Charity Retail Conference selling out fast!
>> Guarantee your place

More news? Click here

Quick links

Find a charity shop

The Notice Board

Discounts

Take advantage of discounts for CRA members, and charity retailers in general, from suppliers to the sector.
Go to Discounts page.

Setting Up and Running Charity Shops book

Special Offer!

Setting Up and Running Charity Shops - an Essential Guide by John Tough - promotional prices for 2013.

Bogus collections reporting tool

Help us collate evidence for the police on bogus collections and theft of collection sacks.

House to house collections

All you need to know to ensure you benefit charities, not commercial set-ups.

Learning Zone

Members have been issued with a user name and password for our free online training modules in Security and H&S.

Stay up to date by subscribing to our News page alerts. Email paula@charityretail.org.uk

Welcome

Connect to the world of charity retail.

Awards 2013, Monday 1 July, Keele University

DEADLINE EXTENSION TO FRIDAY 24 MAY
Which shop smashed targets despite the difficult economic climate?
Which volunteer always surprises you - going beyond the call of duty?
Which shop manager that has turned a shop around?

>> Download the Awards form

Charity Retail Association calls emergency summit after Morgan report proposes "new tax on Welsh charity"

Warren Alexander submits the petition to the Chair of the Welsh Assembly Petitions Committee, William Powell AM, surrounded by supporting charities and AMs

Charity shops in Wales reacted with dismay today as Professor Brian Morgan, in his review on charity rate relief, proposed recommendations which, if adopted by the Welsh Government, could seriously damage charities in Wales. The proposals will not only stop charity shops from opening in some locations but reduce their rate relief, which is granted in recognition of their significant philanthropic benefit to Welsh communities.

>> Read press release

>> Coverage of our campaign against restrictions to Welsh charity shops

Join us!

Get fantastic benefits

Join the Charity Retail Association to take advantage of our new Gift Aid Reform: Members' Pack, preferential and discounted attendance at the Charity Retail Conference (expected to sell out AGAIN), free legal advice, comprehensive guidance on all aspects of shop operations, free networking events ... and LOTS MORE!

>> Read our brochure here

HMRC publish Gift Aid guidance

HMRC have now published their guidance on the new changes to retail Gift Aid. These can be found on their website.

CRA Gift Aid workshop
On Tuesday 23 April we held a successful Gift Aid workshop for its members with HMRC officials Michelle Stokell and Cathy Wilson from the Charities Team, to discuss new changes to Gift Aid for charity shops. Nearly 90 attendees asked a whole range of questions.

Our Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Wendy Mitchell, said: "The Association has worked with HMRC over the last year to agree this welcome simplification to the process for charity shops. Today's workshop was a great opportunity for members to quiz HMRC on the new proposals and get to grips with the detail of how this will work in practice." The Charity Retail Association has provided information and support on their website to help members plan for the changes.