Most charity collectors not welcome in libraries, council says

Buckinghamshire County Council said Royal British Legion and the BBC appeal can collect as they are “important national campaigns”.

But other charities are not allowed to collect as they could "spoil the experience" it said.

Yesterday Derbyshire County Council reversed its policy not allowing poppy collectors into libraries after a public outcry.

A High Wycombe-based charity today said other fundraisers could see the ruling as unfair.

Bucks County Council spokesman Emma Cross said: “Any charity can display general information in Buckinghamshire County Council libraries but not engage in fundraising activity. “Over the years two specific exceptions have been made to this policy by members and currently fundraising for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and BBC Children in Need are permitted in our libraries.

“We consider them an important national campaign that we would look to support.”

Fundraising activity would include leaving collection boxes in libraries, she said.

She said: “We believe that libraries are an unbiased source of information to the public and we do not want to spoil the experience for our users."

Yet Alison Lewis, spokesman for disabled charity Wycombe Area Access for All, said: “It is not fair and other charities could feel left out.

“It is not a balance because other charities like children’s hospices would say ‘what about us?’.”

Louise Richards, director of policy and campaigns at the Institute of Fundraising, an umbrella group for UK charities, said: “Cash collections are to very important to the fundraising efforts of many charities, large and small.

“In the tough economic climate, charities need our help, and donations, more than ever before.”

John Llewellyn, chairman of the High Wycombe Royal British Legion, said: "Other charities can collect throughout the year whereas we can't.

"Other charities have a better chance of raising money during the rest of the year."