Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies has helped to launch a new online register that will give people easier access to their favourite charities.

The new version of the independent charity regulator's register aims to increase the transparency and accountability of the charity sector and to help people access information about charities.

"The Charity Commission's new register makes it far easier for the public to see how charities are using their money," said Mr Davies, who was a co-sponsor of a Welsh Assembly Statement of Opinion that highlighted the new register at the Senedd.

South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns is also supporting the initiative and has signed up the Statement of opinion.

She added: "Pembrokeshire is home to many registered charities which are making a real difference to our community. I'd encourage everyone to take a look at the new register to find out more about the charities you support."

The register provides colour graphics and details of activities, trustees, key financial information and whether charities file their accounts and returns on time. For charities with incomes over £500,000, new financial profiles show what they receive and how they spend their money.

According to recent Ipsos MORI research for the Charity Commission*, 96% of people believe it is important that charities provide public information on how they spend their money.
Last year (June 07-June 08) there were nearly 15 million page views of the online register, which accounts for more than half of all page views on the Charity Commission website www.charitycommission.gov.uk.