In 2015 the trustees of Glasspool Charity Trust decided to sell 63 properties on the Butterfield estate. This decision was taken in good faith in order to maximise the amount of money that the Trust can give away to support individuals and families across the UK. 

As trustees we were confident that we acted in the best interests of the organisation and its beneficiaries. We informed the Charity Commission of the actions we took in respect to this matter. The Charity Commission has recently written to the Trust to advise that it is has concluded its enquiries and deemed that trustees have “acted within their remit”, “taken appropriate professional advice” and “made an informed reasonable decision based on this advice”. As such, the Commission has determined that “no further action is warranted”. 

We are grateful to the Charity Commission for their assistance in this matter and for its clear and unambiguous conclusion. The trustees are especially gratified that the Commission recognises that Glasspool Charity Trust is “using the proceeds of the sale to further the charitable objectives of the Charity”. 

Year on year the Trust has been able to increase the amount of money it gives away from around £370,000 in 2000 to £1.45 million in 2016. Last year 5,849 grants were awarded, supporting more than 11,000 individuals and families in hardship. At a time when government and local authorities are cutting back, we continue to have ambitious plans to significantly increase the support we can give to those most in need in society.