Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 2026 is the updated standardised framework for charity accounting and financial reporting in the UK. Taking effect for accounting periods starting on or after 1st January 2026, it is the most significant overhaul of charity reporting in several years.

Who is Affected?

Accruals Accounting: If your parish prepares accounts using the accruals basis, you must follow the new SORP 2026. This includes all registered charities and any excepted or exempt charities.

Receipts and Payments: If your charity uses the simpler receipts and payments basis (usually only applicable to smaller, non-company charities), you are not affected by the SORP.

For those parishes that prepare accounts using the accruals basis which will be affected, the reporting requirements vary depending on which Tier a charity falls under:

• Tier 1 – charities with income less than £500,000
• Tier 2 – charities with income between £500,000 and £15,000,000
• Tier 3 – charities with income over £15.000,000

These tiers apply to parishes whether a registered or excepted charity.

Please follow the links below for further guidance:

Within the Trustees’ Report, one of the key changes includes clear articulation of impact, not just activity – this will vary dependant on the activities undertaken by each parish.

For parishes that are affected by the new SORP, please ensure your Independent Examiner is aware of the changes.