Museums in England and Wales to gain powers to dispose of objects on moral grounds

Exclusive: a provision of the new Charities Act could have a significant impact on restitution cases for years to come

Museums and galleries in England and Wales will be given unprecedented powers to dispose of objects in their collections if there is a compelling moral obligation to do so, under a new law.

Alexander Herman, an expert in art law, said the museum sector did not appear to have realised that a provision of the Charities Act 2022, expected to come into force this autumn, could have a significant impact for years to come" on restitution cases.