Tougher Charity Regulations

A Fife MSP is calling for the stricter regulation of charity fundraisers who approach high street shoppers.

A report has found that two in three people have said they feel uncomfortable by some of the fundraising methods used by many charities and businesses.

The industry currently regulates itself but Murdo Fraser would like to see Local Authorities step in and take over responsibility for ensuring charities don’t breach their code of conduct.
 
High Street Charity fundraisers have been dubbed 'Chuggers' which stands for charity muggers and the UK Government recently looked into current regulations and called for a 5 year deadline for the industry to get its house in order.
 
The report found that two in three people have reported feeling uncomfortable as a result of the fundraising methods used by some charities and businesses also warned about the impact on trade and high street stores.
 
The Public Fundraising Regulatory Association is responsible for the regulation of face-to-face fundraisers across the UK including in Scotland but face-to-face legislation in Scotland is controlled by the Scottish Parliament.
 
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said: “Overly aggressive charity fundraisers who use persistent a tactics to elicit support should be subject to greater regulation.
 
“Although the number of fundraisers who use these tactics are in a minority the effect they can have on shoppers and local businesses can be profound.
 
“High streets across Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire are in need of support and anything that acts as a barrier towards people shopping on the high street should be tackled.
 
“The public often feel uncomfortable when being approached by fundraisers and we must ensure that the industry is regulated more strictly to ensure that it works for shoppers, charities and businesses.”