21/07/2003

Anti-age discimination groups may gain charitable status

Organisations fighting discrimination against older people now have greater opportunity to become registered charities, the Charity Commission announced today.

The promotion of equality and diversity is now a new charitable aim in its own right, according to the commission.

The decision by the charity watchdog means the promotion of the interests of older people against all forms of discrimination will now officially be recognised as charitable.

As a result of the decision many more organisations will be able to enjoy the benefits of charity status, including tax breaks, increased ability to attract funding and enhanced status in the community.

The Age Equality Association – the first anti-age discrimination charity – is planning a seminar on age discrimination and poverty for 2004 and will be seeking ways to develop research.

The charity is also contributing to the current Department of Trade and Industry consultation on age discrimination in employment.

Age Equality Association chair of trustees John Lipetz said: "We are very pleased that becoming a charity will enable us to raise awareness among the public of discrimination on the grounds of age. We are keen to ensure people are protected from discrimination in all spheres of life and at all ages."

The new charitable purpose will also recognise organisations promoting equal rights for members of racial and ethnic minorities as well as gay and lesbian members of society.

The decision announced today coincides with the publication of the Commission's annual report, which highlights the Commission's active commitment to diversity as a central feature of its work.

(GMcG)

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