The Royal National Lifeboat Association (RNLI) has reported that its total expenditure increased by 17% to £233m last year, after experiencing difficulties filing its accounts.
Earlier this week, RNLI was listed on the Charity Commission website as being overdue in filing its accounts for the 2022 calendar year.
However, the charity said this was due to “technical difficulties” as it filed the documents on 16 October and the Commission has now published its accounts and removed the note flagging them as overdue.
The Commission said it had seen a drop in charities submitting financial documents after it introduced its online filing system, My Charity Commission Account, this year.
It said annual return 2022 (AR22) filing levels are 76%, compared to 84% at the same time in 2022.
Regulator ‘working hard to support those having difficulty’
Civil Society is aware of several other charities that have experienced difficulties filing financial documents with the Commission in recent weeks.
“We’ve seen a slight drop in AR22 compliance as we work to implement the new My Charity Commission Account (MCCA),” said Nick Baker, chief operating officer at the Commission.
“Trustees have mostly set up their accounts and are compliant.
“MCCA represents a significant long-term change in our engagement with charities. The service is designed to facilitate a more direct relationship with trustees, helping to ensure they are supported in their role and equipped to run their charities well.
“Our contact centre team are working hard to support those having difficulty, and are speaking to many trustees who are keen to file early or are encountering issues ahead of their filing deadline.
“New users with issues are in the minority but please don’t leave filing until the last minute. This leaves time to contact us if you are having issues accessing the system and get these resolved before you default.”
Earlier this week, Commission chair Orlando Fraser said: “The Commission will ensure that no charity is disadvantaged because of difficulties accessing the service and we are working hard to meet the high demand of queries we are receiving from those wanting assistance accessing and using the system.”
Costs rise and investments decline
RNLI’s expenditure increased by £33.2m on the year, with it spending £13.8m more on raising funds and an extra £19.4m on charitable activities.
Its gross income increased by 5% to £231.8m, including rises in legacies and donations received.
The charity’s investments, meanwhile, declined by £36.9m on the year to £271m.
