Charities access to banking services is vital. However with bank branches closing, difficulty in opening accounts, fees and freezing accounts without notice being constant issues this is an area of much concern.

In July, Charity Finance Group published it's own guide to help chairties communicate better with banks. In the same month, the Charity Commission reported that 'In comparison to 2024, fewer trustees reported banking issues for their charity though it remains a problem for many charities (38% down from 42%),' 

CAF Bank updated it's online banking system in June, but some customers are still experiencing diffiulties.

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In July, over 1,000 applications to register as a charity were received by the Commission, the highest number recorded in their history.

Innovation, as new technologies are embraced within the sector, the cost of living crisis and global uncertainty are a few of the reasons behind the increase in new charity registration requests. 

The commission is keen to ensure that it's processes are robust and having additional Government funding from next year means consideration can be given to whether AI tools can be used to enhance it's registration service.

See more here.

Summer 2025 was the hottest on record and the climate crisis and environmental issues are constant concerns. 

However a brand new project in Suffolk has been developed to help offset the effects of infrastructure and it's impact on nature and the environment.

Sizewell C, the new nuclear power station being constructed in the county will fund EaST, the newly formed East Suffolk Trust.

EaST will distribute funds through a dedicated grant scheme to help the recovery of nature in East Suffolk and the county as a whole.

See more here.