From Diane Collins

Sir, — We have just been made aware, by our envelope supplier, of HM Revenue and Customs’ decision to reword the declaration on Gift Aid envelopes; the new declaration must be used from 6 April 2016, and any envelopes using the current statement will be invalid.

To give only six months’ notice of this change is inexcusable. We have just received, and paid for, 5000 such envelopes, expecting these to last several years. This must affect many churches and charities, and will waste so much money in the restocking, not to mention the load imposed on the suppliers of these envelopes. This was as much a surprise to our suppliers as to us, and they have apologised for not being able to implement the change on our order a week before notification.

Can I suggest that all cathedrals, churches, and other charities affected appeal to HMRC for an extension to the use of the current wording, which, I believe, is not inaccurate so much as wordy and difficult to understand. I also intend to seek the help of my MP.

DIANE COLLINS
Stewardship Recorder
St Michael and St Mary Magdalene
Parish Office
Parish Centre
Crowthorne Road
Easthampstead
Berkshire RG12 7ER