Charities told to file their accounts on time

According to the commission’s online records, five local charities are overdue with their accounts and annual returns – although some have told the Daily Echo they have already sent the documents.

The charity regulator told the Echo that almost a fifth of Bournemouth charities failed to file the documents on time last year.

Dame Suzi Leather, chairman of the Commission, said it was “not acceptable”, adding: “They are accountable not just to us but most importantly to their donors, to those whom they exist to help and to the wider public.

“As well as being a requirement, charities run the risk of damaging their own reputations and putting off potential donors if their financial affairs are not in order.”

One of those flagged up in red on the commission’s website for having documents overdue is Nordcat, or North Dorset Community Accessible Transport. But general manager Helen Reed said: “Actually they were sent off in January by our auditors by recorded delivery and signed for.”

She said she would be filing the documents again by email.

Richard Stalley, a trustee of the Richie Keefe Life and Soul Trust, which supports families affected by cancer, said the Charity Commission had the wrong year end date recorded for the filing of the accounts – and they had now notified them of the error.

Julia Meech, of children’s charity Tender Loving Care, said the accounts had already been filed – but were slightly late due to the fact that she was in hospital.

The Townsend Friendly Food Club and Dorset Visual Arts are both recorded as having documents overdue by the Charity Commission.

Claire Geraghty, former secretary of the Townsend Friendly Food Club, said: “The club has now been disbanded.

“My other two partners have been hit with ill health and that is why our accounts are overdue. We are currently trying to resolve the situation.”

The Daily Echo was unable to contact Dorset Visual Arts for comment.