Editorial Comment:

Abstract: Despite the recent major changes to regulation of the voluntary sector as a result of the Charities Acts 1992 and 1993 the independent Commission on the Future of the Voluntary Sector has now suggested further major changes in the definition and control of the sector. This paper looks at the growth of registered charities during this decade compared with the decline in the number of registered companies and examines evidence on economies of scale in the charities. Possibly charities should be encouraged to promote mergers and acquisitions as a means to greater efficiencies in charitable activity.