§ Lord Davies of Coityasked Her Majesty's Government:
What proposals they have for a new licensing scheme for public collections. [HL4355]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)I am today placing in the Library of this House copies of a consulation document on proposals for a new licensing scheme for public 117WA collections for charitable, philanthropic and benevolent purposes.
This consultation builds on the package of measures set out in our response to the Strategy Unit review of charity law and regulation, published on 16 July, and proposes the setting up of a new, updated and unified local authority licensing scheme for public collections to replace the present complex, outdated and fragmented legislation. The aim is to modernise the law, creating a fair and cost-effective system of licensing which facilitates responsible fund raising but deters bogus collections and prevents nuisance to the public. We want to enable a wide range of organisations to be more effective and innovative, while maintaining the high levels of public trust and confidence which are vital to the continued success of the sector.