The team at the Stevenage branch of the Salvation Army’s charity shop chain has been hard at work promoting Gift Aid – the government-backed tax relief system that allows them to boost their income – and last month helped put nearly £5,000 more in the region’s coffers.

But they could have raised even more if all their donations had been gift-aided, and reckon that more than £12,000 went begging in May alone.

Area manager Julie Wardley said that just over a quarter of donations to Sally Army shops were gift-aided in May and she believes that if more people knew how easy it was to sign up for the scheme it would be good news for charities.

Now a national campaign has been launched to promote Gift Aid, and Julie said: “We’re grateful for all donations, but it really does make a big difference when our customers agree to let us claim Gift Aid on their donations.

“As long as you are a UK tax payer, all you need to do is complete a short declaration form at the shop. We then register you so that each time you come back with donations they’re automatically gift aided. It couldn’t be simpler!”