Public Chamber asks government for additional support for CSOs

Public Chamber asks the government for additional support for CSOs.

Among the measures proposed by the Public Chamber is the extension of preferential loans, suspension of statutory audits and deferral of rent payments.

25 November 2020

On 24 November the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation wrote to the government (letter available to ASI), requesting Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to introduce additional measures to support socially-oriented CSOs (SONGOs).

In the letter, the Chamber emphasised the “relevance and effectiveness” of the work of non-profit organisations and voluntary organisations during the first wave of COVID-19, and that support provided in the summer helped them provide ongoing support for people, hospitals and social institutions.

Now, according to the letter, there is an increasing demand for the services of SONGOs. Therefore, the Public Chamber asks that “the introduction of additional support measures for non-state SONGOs be considered”. In particular:

  • the period within which CSOs can apply for tax credits be extended until May 1 2021;
  • The period for granting subsidies for preventive measures be extended until 1 May 2021 and  support be available to private educational organisations that did not receive such assistance during the first wave, and also CSOs on the register of those most affected by COVID-19;
  • Special state monitoring of CSOs be extended until 2021;
  • Statutory audit for 2020 be suspended until January 1 2022;
  • 50% of taxes and insurance premiums be written off for the first quarter of 2021;
  • Rent payments under federal property lease agreements be deferred until October 1 2021;
  • CSOs on the register of the Ministry of Economic Development be given the right to apply reduced rates of insurance premiums, and a simplified taxation system be applied enabling them to choose how insurance premiums are paid;
  • That exemption from VAT for CSOs receiving donated goods free of charge be incorporated into the legislation of the Russian Federation.
  • That the Public Chamber ask the Ministry of Labour to make recommendations for some social services to be delivered remotely, and that services provided this way should be considered for compensation.

Similar letters were sent to the government by the All-Russian Popular Front and the Association of Volunteer Centres.

The Public Chamber urged CSOs also to write to the government asking for additional support.

Update from 27 November 2020: The State Duma Committee for the Development of Civil Society, Public and Religious Associations supported the appeal of the Public Chamber (letter available to ASI). The Committee considered the need for an extension of support as this assistance was deemed effective.

Source: https://www.asi.org.ru/news/2020/11/25/op-rf-prosit-pravitelstvo-dopolnitelno-podderzhat-nko/

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