Report on the progress of CTC charity application 2012 Jan 6.doc

[Riding in Circles]

Well written, sorry about your weak bottom though, must be purgatory on a long ride.

 

[Theseus]

Simon, well written. A piece of prose my old man would have called a stiff letter written on cardboard.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Simon, only one comment. It was always, and will always be, far harder for the Charity Commission to turn over an existing Charity, such as an independent school, on the public benefit test that it is for them to refuse charitable status to a group that doesn't have it. Doing that requires less skill than triggering the speed camera at Reigate.

By the standards of the CC the letter was a model of clarity btw.

 

[benb]

Can someone succinctly summarise for me the advantages and disadvantages of the CTC becoming a charity. I'm confused.

 

[PK99]

It is a member group there for the benefit of its membership, that puts it outside the scope of a charity, that is basis on which it has been turned down, the vagary of the description of its aims just adds to the reason for turning them down. For it to become a charity it would need to become far less exclusive which would see many of the current benefits being done away with, I am surprised that this was not considered but not surprised at the same time having watched how this all unfolded.

It was considered and was the basis for the objections of many who ride regularly with CTC groups viz: as a charity all the "club benefits" to members would go

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Can someone succinctly summarise for me the advantages and disadvantages of the CTC becoming a charity. I'm confused.

Not succinctly no. The claimed advantages were quite subtle (apart from the wonga t be obtained via Gift Aid on membership fees)

 

[YahudaMoon]

Wow just wow. I was under the impression in was done and dusted. Obviolsy they havent done the homework.

@ benb. CTC going into a charitable trust basically means it won't be a members club for members any more so it's all good news in my opinion and most CTC members feel the same way

Any links in the above to push ths forward or keep it as it is ?

 

[dellzeqq]

Simon, only one comment. It was always, and will always be, far harder for the Charity Commission to turn over an existing Charity, such as an independent school, on the public benefit test that it is for them to refuse charitable status to a group that doesn't have it.

absolutely, but, then again, that's all the more reason to pursue the application diligently on the basis of sound advice rather than let it wander along until it gets refused.

 

[Theseus]

Nope, still no luck.

My apologies, I was trying to access from work and we appear to block google docs. I have had no problems from home.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

absolutely, but, then again, that's all the more reason to pursue the application diligently on the basis of sound advice rather than let it wander along until it gets refused.

Cognitive dissonance. A powerful thing, it affects organisations as well as individuals.

Could the CTC behave any more irrationally?

 

[Riding in Circles]

I am amazed it was passed in Scotland, the adjudicators guide dog must have been feeling benevolent that day.

 

[PhilipBenstead1]

Report on the progress of CTC charity application 2012 Jan 6.doc (ver 2)

Cyclists’ Touring Club

CTC Council progress to convert the CTC into a charity.

Dear CTC Members

You may remember at CTC AGM 2011 A motion was passed that stated “This AGM authorises Council to take the steps necessary to register the Club as a charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Office of the Scottish Charity User and the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland and to merge the Club with CTC Charitable Trust to become a single, charitable organisation.”

Please find below the text of an email that rejected the application for CTC charitable status in England and Wales it was received by CTC Headquarters on 18th October 2011.

The original letter can be found at

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BDrnN2lqhOUHVOGv0H_eDsLyZA2eo8z3tqymzp4x5UE/edit

Please place this link in your browsers; you do not need a Google mail account to view.

At bottom of this email are additional links below that give you access to suggest on what you can do and other documentation if need.

The rejection letter etc has not been seem by most Director/Trustees of the CTC, why is this?

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Look at the end of the letter for suggestions.

This letter etc has been sent to CTC local group offices in UK and uploaded to CTC Forum, YACF, and Cycle Chat and Google UK rec. discussion forum under the title

Report on the progress of CTC charity application 2012 Jan 6

Apologies if this is an unwanted email or you have received duplicates, it is important, but if you do not wish to receive any additional email on this subject reply with unsubscribe in the subject line.

I would be grateful for an acknowledgement of safe receipt.

Philip Benstead

START OF REJECTION LETTER

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES

Title 0/5020287/331958 Application for registration: The Cyclists' Touring Club CC: 00361617

Subject Cyclist's Touring Club FAO: Caroline Jones - W/5020287/331958 Application for registration: The Cyclists' Touring Club CC: 0036151

Dear’

Further to my email of 06 October, we have completed our review of the application and supporting information.

I have explained in correspondence with ?????? that in order to be established as a charity an organisation must have objects which are exclusively charitable and for the public benefit. If any part of the objects of an organisation are not charitable or if it is established in part for private benefit then it is not established as a charity.

In this case, the meaning of the objects is not entirely clear and in determining their meaning, it may be appropriate to consider the activities undertaken by the organisation. Our guidance in 'Charities and Public Benefit' sets out our approach in such cases from section D4.

Objects

The objects of the company set out an initial object 'to promote cycling, cycle touring and fellowship among cyclists for the public benefit' but describe those objects as a means to further other charitable purposes.

The first further object is then stated as: the advancement of amateur sports which involve physical or mental skills or exertion by:

Promoting, assisting and protecting the use of bicycles, tricycles and other similar vehicles on the public roads and public rights of way;
and
Promoting and safeguarding the interests of riders of bicycles, tricycles and other similar vehicles;
and
Encouraging cycling and cycle touring as a means of adventure, recreation, character training and other forms of education, to stimulate by any possible means interest and participation in the interest and participation of young persons in cycling, and to promote cycling competitions, rallies, rides and other events.

It is difficult to understand precisely from the drafting of the objects which elements or subsections of the objects may be considered as objects of themselves and which elements a means to achieve objects.

It is also the case that not every means of advancing amateur sport will be for the public benefit. For example promoting the individual rights and interests of cyclists may be directed to the private benefit of cyclists.
Given the structure of the clause neither is it beyond doubt that the first stated object of promoting cycling, cycle touring and fellowship among cyclists for the public benefit is simply a means.

The second sub object is stated as:

The promotion of the conservation and protection of the environment by any charitable means including but not limited to

Promoting and increasing appreciation of the countryside and places of public interest,
and
Establishing and protecting access thereto by cycle and on foot, and Preserving and improving amenities,
and
Taking appropriate action to advance this charitable aim in Parliament and in and before Government departments, local and other public authorities, bodies and officers, landowners, developers and others

The first and fourth of the means are political activities, which extend to securing or opposing any change in the law or in the policy or decisions of central government or local authorities. The extent to which such means are directed towards conservation or the protection of the environment or other activities which the company will undertake in that respect is not apparent. The political activity would appear to be an object of its own right rather than subsidiary and in support of other activities undertaken in furtherance of a charitable purpose. A charity may not have a political purpose.

Our guidance in CC9 'Speaking Out' sets out the principles on this point in summary at section B.

http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/publications/cc9.aspx

Clause 1.8.3 is for the advancement of education ..and the promotion of any plans, measures schemes or proposals to that end.. The promotion of particular opinions, views or proposals is not education in the sense accepted by charity law.

Our guidance in 'The Advancement of Education for the Public Benefit' sets this out from section C5.
http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/Library/guidance/resedu1208.pdf

Clause 1.8.4 is for the preservation and protection of health ... by any means. The reference to 'any means' would extend beyond that which would confine the object of public benefit. It would allow either unlawful, private or political objects. Indeed the enforcement of rights as referenced in the wording may be capable of being either of private benefit or political.

Clause 1.8.5 is for the promotion of cycling ... Catering for the needs of cyclists would appear to extend beyond what is charitable, for example for provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare, and is directed towards private benefit of cyclists. The further provision of benefits appears to be of a private nature.

Activities

I have outlined the ambiguous nature of the objects. The company has existed as an organisation to benefit and promote the interests of its members. The website refers at 'Converting CTC to a Charity' to 'supporting membership and campaigning' as its charitable activities.

There appears to be a misunderstanding of as to the nature of charitable purposes and public benefit. An organisation established to provide benefits for its members is not a charity being directed towards private benefit. The 2006 Act has not changed the nature of public in public benefit (as suggested on the company's website). Similarly, the campaigning appears in part to be directed towards political purposes which cannot be a charitable purpose.

The Club has established a charitable organisation to undertake such of its work as is directed towards charitable purposes.

However the Club itself is not established for exclusively charitable purposes for the public benefit. It is a members' organisation established to promote the interests of its members and provide them with benefit. It is not therefore established for exclusively charitable purposes or the public benefit.

Summary

I am sorry to tell you that, for the reasons given above, we feel bound to reject the application for registration. Our decision has taken account of all information, evidence and argument received.

If you think our decision is wrong, you can ask us to review it by writing to the Final Decision and Tribunal Coordinator at
enquiries@charitvcommission.asi.nov.uk,

or by using our online application form at

www.charitvcommission.gov.uk/reviewprocform.aspx

Alternatively, you may appeal against our decision to the First-Tier Tribunal (Charity).

Further details about our decision review procedure and the First-Tier Tribunal (Charity) can be found on our website at
www.charitv-commission.gov.uklAbout_us/Complaining/Complaining_about_our_decision index.aspx

Yours sincerely
Caroline Jones
Registration Division
Tel: 01 823 345458
Fax: 01823 345003
www.charitvcommission.aov.uk


END OF REJECTION LETTER

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

For more information go to

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B7xjRGQnf47zZWJhYjA3MGQtMzA2Yy00MTFlLTk4NTctOWY5Y2M5MTJhNDcz




Philip Benstead

Telephone: 020-7630-0475
Mobile: 0794-980-1698
Email: philipbenstead1@gmail.com

Address: Victoria,
London, SW1P 1PG

 

[snorri]

Version 2
This is like these Spot the Difference games you see in light reading mags., no prizes here either.

 

[dellzeqq]

quite

one of the linked documents is a splendid illustration of the 'three monkeys rule'

From: Graham Smith [gpsmith@brookes.ac.uk]
Sent: 06 January 2012 17:30
To: Philip Benstead; Mick Simmons; Richard Bates
Subject: Fwd: Message from the Chair of CTC Council about the progress of CTC Charitable conversion

Dear Mick, Philip, Richard.

Thank you for your letters.

I joined Council 2009, at a time when the heat of this debate about a change in status was approaching a crescendo. I was a bit taken aback by the weight of discussion as I wanted, as a 'new' Councillor, to make cycling a properly legitimate mode of transport and am uninterested in this 'management' topic, necessary as it is. I am interested in cycling in theory, practice, legislation and guidance and choice for individuals, plus some racing (or racing memories) and much utility riding. I have been heavily canvassed to support the 'objection line' and found some good sense and some committed colleagues in it, and if the conspiracies were only half true there seemed substance.

I have learned nothing of substance to be 'against' the management or the move to Charitable Status. In fact my appreciation of management, colleagues on Council and the devotion of all paid and voluntary people has been that this is an exemplary organisation. I have been fairly responsible at reading all the material involved. I find little (or less) to support the negative views, as it seems to me the Status is entirely in line with the CTC's historic mission. That isn't to say that the CTC isn't aware of the continuous need to review and respond, on which topic the Council was appraised of some powerful research work about members' attitudes only a couple of months back.

I append this statement from Dave Cox from a meeting today. I find it unfortunate but not exceptional that a hurdle has arrived. I don't see how the membership has been misled. I believe it to be a hurdle and not an impasse. Isn't life full of them?

Yours sincerely,

Graham
If the Charity Commission's rejection of the Council's case and the confirmation of the case made by the objectors from the outset strikes him as a 'hurdle' then there really is no talking to the man....what do they teach at Brookes University?

 

[hatler]

"Hurdle ?"

Bloody hell. It's a bit more than that.