The Commission is asking all umbrella and charity support groups to check their stocks of the APP1 forms and make sure they get rid of all old versions, as they will cease to be valid.

It says many applications for registration are still being sent using old APP1 forms published before December 2003, which did not require evidence of income and, as a result, had to be returned to applicants, causing delays.

Head of Charity Status at the Commission, Jane Grenfell, said: "We're asking groups to springclean their cupboards and make sure they no longer have any of these old charity applications forms in stock. From June the old forms will be invalid, so we're urging organisations to make sure they've got their new supplies ordered well in advance".

Up-to-date versions of the APP1 are available either by calling 0870 333 0123 or from
www.charitycommission.gov.uk under "Registering a charity".