S137 donation to Red Cross Ukraine appeal.

Question

I would like to use some unused money to give a donation to the Red Cross appeal for Ukraine. Is this lawful under S137? The money was in the budget for my Civic Ceremony. I became Mayor when lockdown started and then went on to do another year. I intended to hold my Civic Ceremony this April as I will be ending my term. But have now been told I can't because of purdah. I would not have had a Church Service as I am a Humanist but had planned an inexpensive event, with a buffet, and intended to invite representatives of the local community groups we have as they do wonderful work for our community. The budget for the Mayors Civic Ceremony is £1500, I wouldn't have spent even half of that but would love to donate some to the Ukraine appeal instead.

Answer 1

I should have added - with Council approval. I'm aware I can't make this decision myself.

Answer 2

Unfortunately not Jann.  S137 only allows donations to benefit residents of the UK, primarily those within your own parish. You could set up a public appeal specifically for this purpose, but you would still not be able to contribute council funds to it.

Comments

Thank you DavetheClerk. I half expected this answer, a shame though. But on the bright side I'm now helping a local organisation to set up donation boxes for the British Cross Ukraine Appeal.

Answer 3

I have been told that NALC are to publish advice to all parish councils this week regarding donations to the Ukraine relief efforts.

We have also been told by our ALC that the current legal view is that parish councils cannot directly donate public funds to Ukraine, including Councils with the General Power of Competence, as this is sending money out of the country. (As DavetheClerk has said).

However, the General Power of Competence and section 137 can be used to provide grants to community organisations/charities to enable the hire of a village hall in order to hold a fund raising events, organize vigils, cake sales etc etc. 

Chairmen / Mayors can organise a disaster fund in the community, passing the funds to some other body such as the Disasters Emergency Committee. 

HTH

Comments

Thank you for the reply. We have now assisted with placing donation boxes in various businesses. The money collected will be handled by the local Chamber of Trade and donated to the Red Cross DEC Ukraine Appeal.

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Sounds like a good outcome. Our council are trying to find possible placements for refugees that might arrive.