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
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