Changes ahead: How the DMCC Act 2024 could impact your charity’s fundraising income

It might not be an obvious spot, but the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCC) means significant changes to subscription-model income for charities and not-for-profits. The overall thrust of the DMCC is enhanced consumer protection and more enforcement powers to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The new subscription regime will affect any organisation offering goods or services in exchange for regular, auto-renewing payments. This will impact not only charities that have paying members, but could also catch fundraising teams that do not consider themselves to be ‘selling’ anything. For instance, charities who offer a quarterly update newsletter to a repeat donor or an annual ‘thank you for donating’ gift might need to comply depending on the specific facts.

For charities impacted by the change, the regime could require an administrative overhaul. Our legal strategic partner, Bates Wells Inc , has prepared an easy-to-digest FAQ guide to the changes.

Bates Wells, will also be running a webinar on the topic: Getting to grips with the new subscription regime at 11.00 on Thursday, 6 March 2025. The one-hour webinar will explore the key changes and requirements; the circumstances in which your charity could be affected; the actions you’ll need to take and by when you’ll need to take them.

They will also be exploring how the act as it currently stands creates some sticky issues around Gift Aid – and how they expect these issues will be resolved before the provisions come into force. Don't forget to register for this webinar and take the opportunity to ensure your charity is fully prepared for these upcoming changes.