The Government operates a scheme called Gift Aid which allows registered charities to claim the basic rate tax on every pound donated. So if you are a UK tax-payer, for every £10  you donate, it means that the charity will receive £12.50.

Giving under Gift Aid means that much more money can be raised at no extra cost to you as a donor

What you need to know and do

• Please print out, fill in and return a Gift Aid Declaration Form.   This provides us with the minimum information required for us to be able to claim Gift Aid on a donation so please make sure you give all the information requested.

If you pay higher rate tax, you can claim the difference between the higher rate of tax and the basic rate of tax 20 per cent on the total ‘gross’ value of your donation. If you will need to do this on your Self Assessment tax return or ask HM Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code.