Charity watchdog launches inquiry into finances of Channel migrant aid group Care4Calais

Charity watchdogs have launched an inquiry into the finances of a British group which aids Channel migrants.

The Charity Commission said it had ‘serious governance concerns’ with Care4Calais.

It provides food, shelter, healthcare and legal support to migrants, particularly those sleeping rough, and has 1,000 volunteers in France and about 500 in Britain.

Latest figures show it reported an income of £1.7million in the year ending September last year and an expenditure of £586,000.

Charity watchdogs have launched an inquiry into the finances of British charity Care4Calais, (volunteers pictured in Calais in October 2016) which aids Channel migrants

The Commission warned that it may ‘extend the scope of the inquiry if additional issues emerge’ and will publish a report on its findings later. 

Care4Calais said it would work ‘positively and transparently’ with the Commission.

A spokesman for the charity also said: ‘We remain committed to our work supporting refugees and asylum seekers, and to our legal and ethical duties as a charitable organisation.’

He added: ‘Over the last 12 months Care4Calais has grown considerably to meet the unprecedented need of its beneficiaries and the challenges of the Covid pandemic.

Care4Calais (volunteers pictured in October 2016 in Calais) provides food and legal support to migrants, particularly those sleeping rough, and has 1,000 volunteers in France

‘Thousands of volunteers have stepped up and given countless hours to meet this need and the trustees and management have worked tirelessly to support them.

‘These extraordinary circumstances have put pressure on our systems and our staff and volunteers have worked hard to meet these challenges.

‘The trustees and management committee are all volunteers. 

‘In this way charity costs are kept to a minimum so that the maximum benefit can be delivered to people in great need.’