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Independent research into licensing public charitable collections

CABINET OFFICE News Release (CAB/117/08) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 9 December 2008

Independent research into licensing public charitable collections
The Office of the Third Sector today announced plans to commission independent research into the licensing system for public charitable collections.

The Government aims to develop a new licensing scheme for public charitable collections that will facilitate responsible fundraising and at the same time deter bogus collections and prevent any nuisance to the public.

The Office of the Third Sector will work closely with the Charity Commission to develop the right licensing system based on the evidence provided by the research. The research will aim to:

* assess the costs and benefits of the new licensing scheme compared to the existing system of licensing;

* inform the developmental and design phase of the new system of licensing building on the framework provided by the Charities Act 2006; and

* identify how best to take forward the implementation of cost-effective, risk-based and proportionate regulation of public charitable collections.

Campbell Robb, Director General of the Office of the Third Sector, said:

"The Government recognises that public charity collections make an important contribution to charities and the good work they do. We want a simple consistent licensing system that will make it easier for charities that collect in more than one area to handle the paperwork.

"Bogus collections as well as over-collecting in one area can seriously risk damaging public trust in charities. It is therefore important that there is a proper system in place to regulate fundraising."

The Charities Act 2006 provides for a new, modern licensing and regulatory regime. However, much of the detail of how the scheme will operate will need to be set out in Secondary Legislation and guidance. The research that will assist this process will be conducted during 2009.

Notes to editors

1. For further information on the Charities Act 2006 please see: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/law_and_regulation/charities_act_2006.aspx

2. For further information on the current licensing arrangements please see: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/law_and_regulation/fundraising_and_collections.aspx

Cabinet Office Press Office 22 Whitehall LONDON SW1A 2WH
Tel: 020 7276 0317
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk