(271)  MOONBEAMS AND CHARITY LAW

 

On 14 October 2003 the Scottish Charities Office took legal action to suspend the directors of Moonbeams Children’s Cancer Charity, following concerns over its financial affairs. The Scottish Charities Office can take court action where there is evidence of misconduct and mismanagement of a charity.  Following an application made to the Court of Session in Edinburgh, all existing directors have been suspended and charity bank accounts have also been frozen. A judicial factor (administrator) has been appointed to manage the charity in the meantime.  These orders were pronounced on an interim basis and the charity and those affected by the orders now have 21 days to decide whether to lodge answers to the petition.  News of the case has reinforced pressure for the introduction of charities legislation as promised by the Scottish Ministers in the Partnership Agreement (see No 228).