CHARITY workers in North Somerset have breathed a sigh of relief after they found out Gift Aid donations will not be reduced for another three years.

CHARITY workers in North Somerset have breathed a sigh of relief after they found out Gift Aid donations will not be reduced for another three years.

In last week's budget it was announced that a decline in the amount of tax groups can claim back on donations has been postponed until 2011.

Last week the Weston & Somerset Mercury reported how charities could lose out on thousands of pounds if Gift Aid was reduced.

Currently, charities can claim an extra 28p in tax for every £1 they are donated and this was due to reduce to 25p from next month.

However, between April 2008 and April 2011 there will be a transition period, during which groups can still claim 28p.