The guidance provides a commentary on the new purposes, and provides explanations and example of each. It aims to give a broad overview of the range of activities that might fall within the purposes, under which all charities in England and Wales will have to be listed, should the bill be enacted.

Joanne Edwardes, head of charitable status policy at the commission said: "We hope that our commentary on the descriptions of charitable purposes proposed gives existing, and potential, charities a useful steer on their future range and scope."

To view the commentary visit the Commission's website at www.charitycommission.gov.uk