HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has granted a total of £5.5 million in funding to support and assist individuals with their tax matters.
The announcement confirms that it has allocated £5.5 million to voluntary and community sector organisations to assist individuals who require additional assistance with their personal tax affairs.
The selected organisations have been chosen by HMRC because of their extensive expertise and experience in providing personalised tax and some benefits guidance.
These grants are administered through HMRC’s voluntary and community sector grant funding programme, which has been supporting partner organisations for over ten years in delivering free advice and support to individuals who:
- Encounter challenges when trying to comprehend their tax responsibilities.
- Might have more complex tax related requirements.
- Face obstacles in accessing HMRC services due to a lack of digital literacy or access to technology.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said:
“We want to help our customers access the specialist help they need to comply with their tax affairs and claim the benefits they’re entitled to. This latest round of funding ensures the excellent support provided by our partners in the voluntary and community sector continues to be in place for customers who need extra support.”
This funding has been distributed among 12 voluntary and community sector organisations who in the summer submitted proposals to secure funding and were granted the funds after undergoing thorough evaluation and due diligence checks.
The chosen 12 organisations in alphabetical order are:
- Advice Direct Scotland.
- Advice NI.
- Citizens Advice Bureau – Isle of Wight, Gosport and Fareham.
- Citizens Advice East Lancashire.
- Citizens Advice South Tyneside.
- Good Things Foundation.
- Money Advice Trust.
- Refugee Migrant Centre.
- Royal National Institute of Blind People.
- Royal Association for Deaf People.
- Tax Aid.
- Tax Volunteers (Tax Help for Older People).
Ian Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, South Tyneside Citizens Advice:
“We are delighted to have been successful with our grant application which will allow us to continue to help some of our most vulnerable clients with tax and benefits issues. Through continued partnership working with HMRC, we can assist their customers to find satisfactory solutions to their problems and enquiries in the most efficient way possible.”
The most recent round of funding marks the twelfth cycle of grants given by HMRC as part of their dedication to assisting individuals in correctly managing their taxes.
HMRC’s Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Programme
The organisations that receive funding through the voluntary and community sector grants are ready to offer assistance to HMRC customers who find themselves in vulnerable situations and work alongside HMRC’s extra support team.
Nigel Huddleston, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said:
“Access to advice about tax and benefits is essential for those who need extra help or support. These organisations provide a truly valuable service, which is why it’s absolutely necessary we provide the funding they need to continue their good work.”
The previous VCS Grant Funding program spanned from 2021 to 2024, with a total funding of £4.98 million which is equivalent to £1.66 million per tax year.
From April 2024 to March 2027 there will be an additional grant funding program worth £5.5 million available.
The allocated funding will be distributed among successful organisations and monitored throughout the financial year.
Payments will be made in stages and HMRC has the authority to halt or withhold funding if the grant terms are not being met.
Are you a voluntary organisation looking for funding?
HMRC are seeking the assistance of voluntary and community sector organisations to collaborate with in reaching out to customers who HMRC currently find it challenging to engage with.
The allocated sum of £1.8 million per year for a duration of three years will be made available from April 2024.
Before funding is approved and disbursed, HMRC conducts a thorough “due diligence” process to ensure that organisations comply with the standards outlined in the Cabinet Office guidance.
Successful organisations are expected to achieve agreed upon outcomes and provide regular progress reports.
You can find more information about the programmes eligibility criteria online on .GOV and how to apply for the next round of funding.
