Cashpoint Donations To Spur Charity Giving

People using cash machines will be invited to donate to charity each time they withdraw money, under new Government plans.

Royal Bank of Scotland cash machines and those owned by independent operator Bank Machine will be the first to allow donations to selected charities.

More than 12,000 UK cashpoints are set to allow donations from this summer, with more expected to follow.

Banks will be able to choose which charities they support and people using a debit or credit card will be able to donate between £1 and £250.

It is part of a government strategy to make it easier for people to give small amounts of money to charity, but the deal comes as ministers face criticism for their planned cap on tax relief on donations.

Two out of three voters say the Government's plan will have a serious impact on charitable gifts, according to figures released by the Charities Aid Foundation (Caf), as it prepared to meet ministers to discuss ways of promoting giving.

The poll, conducted for the Caf by ComRes, found 84% supported the principle that donations to charity should not be taxed, while 76% thought ministers should have considered the implications of a cap more carefully.

Caf chief executive John Low said: "It is clear there is deep unease among the public at this unfair and damaging cap on tax relief for donations.

"People in this country are concerned that the economic situation will damage charities, whose vital work benefits everyone in society.

"This tax change will make a difficult time for charities even worse."

:: ComRes surveyed 2,044 GB adults online between April 27 and 29.