FCo Rural Estates Newsletter Spring 2022 - Flipbook - Page 16
6 – Goodwill in the Willows – setting
up a charity for a rural estate
Landowners of heritage property may wish to consider setting up a
charity, perhaps with a view to preserving the buildings and grounds or
educating the public about the property. Charitable status brings with it
two main advantages.
Emma James
First, it provides access to a range of tax reliefs for the charity (including, importantly, 80
per cent relief from rates payable on the property) and also reliefs for its donors (including
recognition for tax purposes for lifetime and deathbed gifts to the charity).
Secondly, it allows for greater scope to raise funds to support the preservation and
maintenance of the property (for example, from grant funding bodies).
The building blocks
A landowner, Mr Toad of Toad Hall, is considering setting up a charity for his estate. Toad
Hall, a Grade I listed Georgian property, is notable for its Capability Brown gardens and
for once hosting King George IV in its preposterous folly.
Mr Toad also wants to undertake some preservation work to the Hall to restore the
crumbling stucco of its façade to its former glory. He has recently taken an interest
in wildlife conservation and has a particular interest in mole, badger and water vole
protection. He therefore wants to ensure that good care is taken of the Wild Wood. Mr
Toad would also like to open up the West Wing of Toad Hall to the public, where he
displays his impressive collection of Old Master paintings.
Mr Toad has been advised that charities in England and Wales must advance at least one
‘charitable purpose’ from a list in the Charities Act 2011. Based on the activities Mr Toad
is proposing to carry out at Toad Hall, he may be able to set up a charity that preserves
Toad Hall, carries out conservation work in the Wild Wood and advances the education of
the public in the history and cultural significance of Toad Hall.
Mr Toad understands that, in order to be charitable, the activities carried out by the
charity must benefit the public, and not give rise to a ‘private benefit’ to him or his family.
“
Mr Toad understands that, in order to be charitable,
the activities carried out by the charity must benefit
the public, and not give rise to a ‘private benefit’ to
him or his family.
16
Rural Estates Newsletter
Spring 2022