Met Police backs tougher penalties for rogue fundraising operations

The Metropolitan Police has joined calls for stricter laws and larger fines to target community interest companies (CICs) engaged in illegal street fundraising across British high streets. Citing repeated breaches of licensing regulations, the Met and other organisations are pressing the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to introduce on-the-spot penalties and more robust enforcement mechanisms.

This move follows the prosecution of We R Blighty, a Kent-based CIC claiming to support homeless military veterans, whose directors were convicted of 14 offences each for unlawful street trading. Despite the convictions, the group resumed activity the next day, according to the Fundraising Regulator. Concerns over intimidation tactics and public harassment have intensified, prompting reviews and further investigations—including by Kent Police.

Authorities argue that the current legislation, dating back to 1916, is no longer fit for purpose. A joint letter from the Met, Local Government Association, Institute of Licensing, and City of London Corporation highlighted the inadequacy of existing fines, citing Inside Success Union’s 2023 conviction. The CIC, which promotes youth services and anti-knife crime initiatives, received minimal penalties that did little to deter further unlawful collection.

Fixed Penalty Notices are among the proposed measures aimed at holding both individual fundraisers and company directors accountable. The regulator warned that unchecked operations undermine public trust and legitimate charitable efforts.

While DCMS acknowledged the issue and pledged to examine the proposals, groups like We R Blighty continue to face restrictions and scrutiny, including bans from fundraising at major retailers. The organisation, however, denies any misconduct and claims it’s been unfairly targeted.