Forum Brief: Charity consultation

Home Office minister Fiona Mactaggart published proposals to regulate charity collections on Tuesday.

"We need fair, transparent regulation which facilitates responsible fundraising, but deters bogus collectors and prevents nuisance to the public," she said.

"This will help protect the good name of the voluntary and community sector.

"I am confident that we will devise a workable scheme to maintain and even improve the level of trust and confidence which people feel in our charitable sector."

Forum Response: Charity Commission

A spokeswoman for the Charity Commission told ePolitix.com: "We welcome this consultation. We recognise that it's an area of legislation that is due to be revised and we look forward to working with the Home Office in taking this forward."

Forum Response: Royal British Legion

Jeremy Lillies, head of public affairs at the Royal British Legion, told ePolitix.com: "The Royal British Legion welcomes the consultation on charity collections announced today and looks forward to participating, bringing its long and successful experience of the annual Poppy Appeal to bear for the benefit of the whole voluntary sector, whose work is so important to so many people."

Forum Response: The Prostate Cancer Charity

Philip Wilson, director of fundraising at The Prostate Cancer Charity, told ePolitix.com: "The regulations governing charity collections are complicated and outdated and certainly need modernising.

"In principal we welcome this initiative and will be happy to take part in the consultation process."

Forum Response: The Disabilities Trust

Matt Townsend, spokesman for The Disabilities Trust, told ePolitix.com: "We would welcome any changes to regulatory practice that simplifies the system of charitable collections and removes anomalies that complicate the process and discourage giving.

"It is important for the sector that people believe they are supporting a legitimate cause and that their money will be used responsibly. In addition it will be welcome to have a national set of guidelines that ensures consistency of regulatory practice throughout the country, reassuring both donors and charities that no matter where they give or receive monies, the same rules will apply."

Forum Response: Rotary International

A spokeswoman for Rotary International told ePolitix.com: "Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland welcome this consultation.

"There is a need to simplify and rationalise the regulations concerning charity collections.

"With more than 1800 clubs collecting in excess of £20 million a year for charitable causes we can share our experience and views with the wider voluntary sector. We shall be consulting with our clubs and will be happy to help the Home Office in taking this forward."