Scotland’s charity watchdog is investigating a complaint about the company that has halted the building of St Andrews’ new secondary school.
The Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator confirmed it had received a complaint about St Andrews Environmental Protection Association Limited, which is a registered charity.
The body behind the successful legal challenge against the construction of the new Madras College on land by Pipeland Farm was granted charitable status towards the end of last year.
Its description on the register states that its beneficiaries include children and young people. However, there are concerns about its ability as a charity to receive gift aid on donations it is given.
A spokesman for OSCR said: “We have received a concern.
“As with any concerns that are raised with us, we will consider it in line with our standard policy and procedure.”
However, the regulator said it could not comment further.
St Andrews councillor Brian Thomson said: “A significant number of constituents have expressed their concern to me about Stepal’s status as a charity.
“Its ability to claim taxpayers’ money via gift aid is a particular concern that’s been expressed, and it would certainly be interesting to find out what the nature of the complaint is.
“I have to assume that Stepal has passed all of the relevant tests, however, it certainly raises a number of questions about charitable status in general,” he added.
“For example, to gain charitable status, I understand that an organisation has to demonstrate that it has only charitable purposes, and that it provides public benefit in achieving those purposes.
“It’s therefore somewhat surprising to put it mildly that an organisation that’s been set up to block the construction of a desperately needed new secondary school has been granted such status.”
Among Stepal’s listed objects on the charity register to benefit the community of St Andrews and north-east Fife by promoting the use, management and preservation of land in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly manner.
When it was granted charitable status, OSCR said its application had been assessed against the charity test set out in legislation.
Stepal said it was satisfied that it was operating according to charity legislation and was unaware of the nature of the complaint.
A spokesperson said: “We are in touch with OSCR and will respond after consultation.
“We are unable to say anything further at this stage.”