The Charities SORP-making body published a helpsheet on 8 October 2026 to help charities preparing accruals accounts understand new lease accounting requirements in the Charities SORP, the Charity Commission said. The new requirements follow amendments to UK financial reporting standard FRS 102 introduced by the Financial Reporting Council.

The helpsheet was prepared with input from the Charities SORP Committee and is split into three parts with practical examples covering whether a lease exists and which exemptions may apply, accounting for general leases, and accounting for peppercorn and social donation leases. The Commission said the resource cannot cover every situation and that charities may need professional advice.

Amie Woods, Assistant Director of Accountancy Services at the Charity Commission for England and Wales and a joint chair of the committee, said the changes may be challenging for some charities and encouraged them to engage with the new requirements and take advice where needed. Laura Anderson of the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, also a joint chair, said Part 1 should be read by all users. Padraig Quinn of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland said reviewing lease arrangements now would help charities comply when preparing accounts.