The Charity Commission is reminding charities and their trustees of all the services they can access online on the Commission’s website to avoid postal delays.

Charities can view or amend their charity details online, complete annual returns or update forms online, as well as send the Commission Trustees' Annual Reports and accounts.

People interested in setting up a charity can also access all the information they need and apply to register online.

The Commission is currently registering charities online in an average of twelve days - half the time of paper applications.

David Locke, director of Charity Services, said: “More charities than ever are using our online services. It makes much more sense, speeds processes up for charities, and ensures that documents are not delayed in the post.

"Last year there was a 60 percent increase in use of our online services, with over 75 percent of Annual Return or Update submissions by charities made online. It really is a much more efficient way of working for charities.”

The Commission website also provides a comprehensive set of resources and news for charities concerning the impact of the economic downturn, including the ‘Big Board Talk - 15 questions all charities need to ask’ as well as a comprehensive list of guidance and reports, press releases and information about Commission events and meetings.

For more information go to www.charitycommission.gov.uk