Raising funds for the Group is a continual task, but there is a way we can all raise extra funds with little time or effort required by you, “Gift Aid”.  If you pay tax we will be able to clam back from the taxman 28p for every pound you give the Scout Group.  We do not need to know anything about you or your finances other than your address (including Post Code) and that you pay tax.  All you have to do is fill in and sign the Gift Aid Declaration, (link to Web page version),  (link to Microsoft word version) to say you wish your payments to the Group to be classed as Gift Aid.   

There are frequently asked “Questions and Answers” below, which should be able to answer all your questions but if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Group Scout Leader at pmstu@nildram.co.uk .  

Please help us to give your child the best from Scouting

Thank you for your help.

Group Scout Leader

17th West Lothian Scout Group

Questions and Answers

Q: Is a Gift Aid declaration complicated?

A: No, it is very simple and only requires you to declare that you want your subscriptions to be treated as Gift Aid payments.

Q: How do I get the form to the Scout Group?

A: You can e-mail it to pmstu@nildram.co.uk, Hand it in to one of the leaders.  

Q: Do I have to complete a separate declaration for each of my children in the Group?

A: No, one declaration covers all payments you make in respect of their subscriptions.

Q: Will I have to reveal any personal tax information?

A: No, all that is needed is very basic information including your name, address and confirmation that you want your Subscriptions to be treated as Gift Aid payments.

Q Will it cost me anything extra?

A No, the Group will simply claim back tax that would have otherwise have gone to the Inland Revenue.  We can then use this tax to reduce the impact of subscriptions, and improve our programme.

Q What will I have to do in the future?

A Nothing, once you complete the declaration this covers your child(ren) until they leave the Group. You need only notify the Group if you change name, address or are no longer able to confirm the details on the declaration.

Q What happens if my child changes section?

A Nothing, as the Gift Aid declaration is not in respect of a specific sum but merely the subscription, however much that will be.

Q What happens if I stop paying tax?

A If you stop paying tax or have paid insufficient tax to cover the amount the Group will be claiming back you should inform the Scout Group and they will not make a claim for your payments.

Q What happens if my child leaves the Group?

A As there is no legal commitment in a Gift Aid declaration the Group will only claim back the tax on the payments you made before the child left the Group.

Q If I am a higher rate taxpayer can I claim back the extra tax?

A Although the Group can only claim back tax at the standard tax rate, higher rate taxpayers can claim the difference back as tax relief on their self-assessment forms.