It is demanding a clearer regulatory role for the Charity Commission and an independent appeals tribunal, as well as an emphasis on public benefit to determine charitable status.

Campell Robb, director of public policy at the NCVO, described the anticipated Act as having the potential to be "the most dramatic reform to charity law in over 400 years" and acknowledged the work of the charity sector in driving forward the agenda and expected outcome of the Bill.

"In order to ensure we see an Act before the next general election we need to continue to effectively engage with the pre-legislative process," he said.

The Coalition for a Charities Act will submit written evidence to the Bill scrutiny team in June followed by oral evidence later in the summer.