The Charity Commission for England and Wales urged charity trustees and professional advisers on 16 September 2026 to read its updated accounting guidance, citing changes that apply from this year. It said separate guides now cover trusts or unincorporated associations, charitable companies, and charitable incorporated organisations.

The guidance reflects the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice 2026, which applies across the UK to financial years starting on or after 1 January 2026, including new requirements for certain income and lease arrangements. For England and Wales charities, for financial years ending on or after 30 September 2026, the government raised the income thresholds: above £500,000 for preparing accruals accounts, doubled from £250,000; above £40,000 for independent examiner checks, up from £25,000; and either above £1.5m gross income or gross income above £500,000 with gross assets over £5 million for an obligatory audit, increased from £1m.

Senior Trustee Guidance Manager Sue Smith said accounts might need preparing differently. Assistant Director of Accountancy Amie Woods said trustees have stewardship of around £100 billion of charitable money. The Commission cited £100.86 billion expended by charities in 2024, the last year with a complete record of sector income.