Charities may be required to file an annual report in the future.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas revealed the change was under consideration.

At the moment, a registered charity is required to ensure its accounts are provided at least once a year to be audited or examined, depending on the level of gross income.

’There is no requirement for charities to file an annual report or annual return as to their activities,’ said the minister. ’Such reports and returns would provide more information than is apparent from the accounts alone.’

Any such requirement, said Mr Thomas, would be designed ’not to place a disproportionate burden on charities’.

The matter was raised in Tynwald by Julie Edge (LibVannin, Onchan).

Mr Thomas confirmed there was no legislation governing declarations of interest or the pay of executive officers.

’Consideration is being given to prescribing matters which should be provided for in a charity’s constitution,’ he said.

The Attorney General has the power to investigate the actions of trustees or directors.

Mr Thomas said wider consultation on a bill to modernise charities legislation was due to be held early next year.