“Chuggers” in Haringey will only be able to follow people for three steps or risk serious penalties after the council signed a new agreement to stop them ambushing unsuspecting shoppers.Chuggers – or charity fundraisers – will have to abide by a series of new rules when approaching potential donors in the borough, outlined in the agreement Haringey Council is signing with the Public Fundraising Regulatory Authority (PFRA).
It is hoped the rules – which also prevent them standing within three metres of a shop doorway, cashpoint, pedestrian crossing or station entrance – will stop them becoming a nuisance.
Cabinet member for the environment Cllr Nilgun Canver said: “We want our high streets to be places where people can go to shop without being ambushed by fundraisers every time the step out. Sometimes it seems there is a fundraiser every ten yards with some of them being quite forceful. This is not acceptable.
“We know charities must fundraise and many people want to give to them, especially coming up to Christmas. If charities comply with the PFRA rules they should be able to collect and boost their funds without upsetting anyone.”
Other rules include:
– signing anyone up to a Direct Debit unable to give informed consent through illness, disability, or drink or drugs
– approaching any members of the public who are working, such as tour guides or newspaper sellers
– leaving bags unattended on the street
– working on sites booked by another fundraising organisation
For more information on the code go to www.pfra.org.uk.
Hornsey Journal