IoL Members – Charity collections legislation under review – IoL members invited to contribute evidence

The Government has begun work to reform the Police, Factories etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1916, following growing concerns from councils, police forces and the Institute of Licensing about the rise in unlicensed charitable street collections and the lack of effective enforcement powers.

A joint letter sent to DCMS Minister Stephanie Peacock MP by the Local Government Association, Metropolitan Police (on behalf of MOPAC), City of London Corporation and the Institute of Licensing highlights how the current law fails to deter unlawful operators. As the letter notes, “the current enforcement environment has a negative impact on high streets and public spaces across England… and adversely affects the large number of charities who wish to collect lawfully and safely.”

The organisations call for key reforms, including increasing penalties from a level 1 fine to a level 5 fine (with an option for custodial sentences), introducing Fixed Penalty Notices, and extending offences to officers of a body corporate. These changes aim to give licensing authorities practical tools to tackle unlawful collections and protect legitimate charitable fundraising.

Opportunity for IoL members to shape the review

DCMS is now gathering evidence to inform the reform process. This represents an important opportunity for licensing authorities to help strengthen the case for change by submitting practical examples, enforcement data, and local experiences of unlawful charitable collections.

Members can contribute by:

• Sharing evidence, case studies and enforcement challenges

• Highlighting the impact of unlawful collections on high streets and legitimate charities

• Providing views on proposed reforms such as FPNs and increased penalties

Deadline for submissions: 30 August 2026.

Where to find information and how to get involved

IoL members can access full details of the review, discussion threads, and the evidence request on the IoL Members’ Forum:

🔗 Forum thread: https://institute-of-licensing.discourse.group/t/charity-collections-sig-request-for-evidence-to-support-reform-of-charity-collections-legislation/483

The Institute strongly encourages members to join the IoL Charity Collections Special Interest Group, which will coordinate ongoing engagement with DCMS and provide updates throughout the reform process:

🔗 Join the SIG: https://app.sheepcrm.com/instituteoflicensing/special-interest-groups/6a5de9f625beb69a9ce8da3f/

With legislative change now firmly on the agenda, member input is essential to ensure the future framework is workable, enforceable and supports responsible charitable fundraising.