Thirty-three charities in Croydon have failed to submit their annual returns on time this year.

Of the 448 charities in Croydon that were required to submit documents to the Charity Commission during 2009, 28 per cent did not submit their documents on time.

Dame Suzi Leather, chairwoman of the commission said: “It’s not acceptable for charities to send their annual accounts and returns late – they are accountable not just to us but most importantly to their donors, to those whom they exist to help and to the wider public.

"As well as being a requirement, charities run the risk of damaging their own reputations and putting off potential donors if their financial affairs are not in order.

"Charities should provide up-to-date information on how they are spending their money, particularly in the current climate when every penny of charitable money counts.”

Charities have 10 months from the end of their financial year to send their accounts and Annual Return to the Charity Commission.