Cllr Paul Swaddle, Leader of Westminster City Council, has called for on-the-spot fines to tackle unlicensed street fundraisers, amid concerns about pedestrians being intimidated across central London, South West Londoner has reported. In a letter to Culture Minister Stephanie Peacock, he urged ministers to update century-old legislation under which unlicensed street collectors face a maximum fine of just £200.
Cllr Swaddle said he was raising "serious concerns on behalf of Westminster residents regarding the aggressive tactics being deployed by unlicensed charitable street collectors," with collectors targeting pedestrians around Victoria and Marylebone stations and across the West End.
He accused some collectors of "preying on the good will of our residents and visitors" by raising money for emotive causes such as veterans' support and rough sleeping, and warned that donations to some Community Interest Companies could go towards "paying director's salaries rather than directly to the cause they are purporting to support."
Under the current law, dating from 1916, the council has to gather evidence and go through the courts to secure a fine. Cllr Swaddle said licensing authorities "should have the ability to issue Fixed Penalty Notices when CICs are caught operating without a licence," adding that using other powers, such as anti-social behaviour legislation, had seen only "limited success". The council also wants stronger protections for businesses whose premises are used by unauthorised collectors.
The Fundraising Regulator described the current court process as "cost-prohibitive and time-consuming." The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said it was "looking closely" at the concerns raised.
You can read Justin Bond's article in South West Londoner in full here.
