Independent schools that hold charitable status will have to prove that they perform a public benefit under an overhaul of charity law announced by the government.

Ministers hope the wide-ranging legislation will boost public confidence in the charitable and voluntary sectors.

"For the first time there will be a clear definition of charity containing all the purposes that are, or ought to be, recognised as charitable, with the requirement of public benefit," said Home Office minister Fiona Mactaggart.

Under the proposals charities also face tough new curbs on the activities of their professional street fundraisers.