Introduction Background Note
3.The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is responsible for the commemoration and maintenance of the graves of Commonwealth forces who died in the First and Second World Wars. The Commission was established by Royal Charter in 1917 and was set up as a “not for profit” organisation. It operates in 154 countries around the world. The Commission is funded by its six member governments – the UK, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and India. High Commissioners for those countries are appointed by the member countries to sit on the Commission. The UK Secretary of State for Defence is Chairman.
4.The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has a separate Endowment Fund (The Imperial War Graves Endowment Fund) which was created by Act of Parliament in 1926.
5.When the Commonwealth War Graves Commission was created it did not register as a charity but it was entitled to charitable exemptions from tax until the law was changed in 2010.
6.This provision continues the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (and Imperial War Graves Endowment Fund’s) entitlement to claim charity tax reliefs.