Issue - meetings

The Director of Neighbourhood Services submitted a report informing Members of the Licensing Committee about the details of discussion undertaken with the Public Fundraising Association (PFRA) regarding a Site Management Agreement (SMA) for East Herts.

Members were advised that the lack of regulation of Direct Debit street collections caused a number of issues for the Authority and had resulted in complaints from businesses, the public and also from charities holding legitimate cash collections.

Councillor D Andrews expressed concern regarding the persistence of collectors who knocked on doors of residential dwellings.  The Senior Specialist Licensing Officer advised that direct debit collectors visiting private dwellings were beyond the Council’s control as the SMA agreement would only cover town centres.

Councillor P Ruffles stated that potential customers had no opportunity to avoid on–street collectors in Maidenhead Street, Hertford and this road should be removed from the SMA.  Members expressed concern that it was expensive for businesses when shoppers detoured from high streets to avoid on–street collectors.

Members were advised that as part of the PFRA Codes of Practice, on–street fundraisers were not permitted to pursue anyone for more than 3 steps, if that person has indicated they are not interested, and any contravention of this regulation could be reported to the PFRA by East Herts Council or the public.

Members referred to there being little sanctuary for shoppers seeking to avoid on–street fundraisers in some parts of East Herts. Members suggested that Maidenhead Street in Hertford and the South side of Ware High Street be excluded from the SMA.  The Senior Specialist Licensing Officer advised that Officers would raise these concerns with the PFRA.

The Committee received the report and agreed that a Site Management Agreement (SMA) be signed with the PFRA as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ of the report submitted.  Members also agreed that the changes to the SMA as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ be referred back to the PFRA by Officers for implementation in East Herts.

RESOLVED – that (A) a Site Management Agreement (SMA) be signed with the PFRA as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ of the report submitted; and

(B)   the changes to the SMA detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ and proposed during the meeting be referred back to the PFRA by Officers for implementation in East Herts.