Yeovil Town Council, in partnership with South Somerset District Council, has introduced positive measures to control the activities of face-to-face fundraisers (also known as direct debit canvassers or "chuggers") operating in Yeovil Town Centre.
This action has been taken in the interests of striking an acceptable balance between the interests of fundraisers, retailers, shoppers and other visitors to the Town and the fact that, unlike street (cash) collections, this type of fundraising is not subject to statutory regulation.
This has been achieved through the use of a Site Management Agreement that has been drawn up with the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA).
The following key provisions have been included in this Agreement:
Frequency – maximum of 10 times per calendar month.
Location – the two pedestrianised areas in Middle Street - between Union Street and Bond Street (Zone 1) and between The Triangle and Central Road (Zone 2) - with a proviso that fundraisers are not to visit the same location on consecutive days.
Proximity – all fundraisers to operate at a minimum distance of 4 metres from the nearest shop entrance.
Conduct - fundraisers must offer an adequate "comfort zone" to those users of the public highway who do not wish to engage them, and must not impede their progress.
All fundraisers will abide at all times by the Institute of Fundraising Code of Practice, an abridged copy of which may be viewed by clicking here. A rulebook that sets out the PFRA's standards regime and includes details of penalities that will be issued to fundraisers who fail to comply with these rules may be viewed by clicking here.
Anyone who believes that face-to-face fundraisers are not operating in accordance with these provisions should ring 020 7401 8452 or 0776 0995 030 and report live incidents to the PFRA's Head of Standards - who will take prompt action by immediately contacting the Team Leader with a view to resolving the matter.
Click here to check the days and locations during the current month when this type of canvassing will take place in Yeovil Town Centre.
Also shown are the days on which street (cash) collections will take place on behalf of registered charities. These types of collections, which are administered by the Town Council, are subject to statutory regulation and any complaints should be made direct to the Town Council by ringing 01935 382424.