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HMRC updates guidance for charities
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Under the rules of the gift aid scheme, donations may not be repaid under any circumstances.
Gift aid donations cannot be repaid under any circumstances

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have updated their guidance for charities to clarify that admission fees cannot be refunded in full or in part where donations give right of admission to properties.

Admission fees charged by charities to visit their property do not qualify for gift aid. In some cases, however, the fee may be eligible if the charity asks for a voluntary donation in return for viewing the property.

To qualify for gift aid, fees must be voluntary, and not required to gain admission. The donation must also be at least 10 per cent above the normal admission fee, or allow admission for at least one year. For further information about admission fees that qualify for gift aid, visit HMRC's website.

HMRC has updated its guidance to clarify the terms and conditions relating to these types of donation. Under the rules of the gift aid scheme, donations may not be repaid under any circumstances, so donations that allow admission to property do not include the right to a full or partial refund of the admission payment.

Types of admission covered by gift aid rules include admissions to view charity land and buildings, animals, artefacts, art, plants and scientific property.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.