The Charity Commission has launched an investigation into Destiny Community Service’s failure to file statutory financial reports. Destiny Community Service failed to submit its accounts for the financial years ending 31 December 2021 and 2022.
Destiny Community Service fails to submit financial report
The charity regulatory body in England and Wales, the Charity Commission, announced through a post on X that it has opened an inquiry into Destiny Community Service. This was because the charity failed to follow an official order to submit its account.
Destiny Community Service began getting attention when it failed to submit its financial report for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022. It fell into the double-defaulter category in March 2024, as it still did not turn in the outstanding documents.
After the commission served the organisation a double-defaulter inquiry, Destiny Community Service did not fully comply with the order, and some accounts are still outstanding. The accounts submitted were also non-compliant with the regulator’s Statement of Recommended Practices.
Moreover, the charity failed to engage meaningfully with the regulatory body and also continued to default on its accounting requirements.
Destiny Community Service registered with the Commission in 2015 with the aim of preventing or providing relief for poverty, primarily in Dagenham, Essex.
However, the inquiry set up by the commission will examine the extent to which the organisation has complied with its legal duties. This is about the administration, management, and running of the charity.
Nevertheless, the commission can expand the scope of the inquiry if additional issues emerge. After an inquiry, the commission usually publishes a report detailing the issues examined, actions taken, and the inquiry’s outcome.
Need for regulation of charities and non-profits
Government organisations like the Charity Commission exist to regulate charities and non-governmental organisations.
For instance, the Charity Commission on its website states that its “ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charities can thrive.”
The need for accountability and public trust necessitates the regulation of charities. It also helps put a check on possible corruption and misuse of funds.
Similarly, research published in 2025 indicates that information disclosure, which regulators ensure, directly influences donor behaviour and long-term sustainability. It also helps ensure that the public is fairly confident in the activities of charities.