The government launched a public consultation on 14 October 2026 on proposals to strengthen the Charity Commission for England and Wales' powers to tackle extremist abuse of charities. Under the plans, people convicted of specified hate-related offences would be automatically disqualified from acting as a charity trustee or senior manager, extending rules already applied to those convicted of terrorism and other serious offences. The proposals would also give the Commission new discretionary powers to disqualify individuals where there is evidence they have promoted violence or racial or religious hatred.

The measures were developed jointly with the Charity Commission, drawing on its casework experience. The consultation seeks views on how the powers should work in practice, including protecting charities while safeguarding legitimate debate, campaigning and freedom of expression. Civil Society Minister Vicky Foxcroft said the vast majority of charities are well run, but the Commission needs powers where people use charities to promote hatred or violence.

Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth said lawful freedom of speech is fundamental while there is no place in the sector for promoting violence or racial or religious hatred. The consultation runs for 10 weeks, closing on 23 December 2026. The government said it will publish a summary of responses and its response afterwards, and is continuing work with the Commission on what further powers may be needed.