Following many years of stalemate in dealing with on-street, face-2-face fundraisers in Brighton, David Lepper M.P. agreed to convene a meeting between the chief executive of the PFRA (Public Fundraisers Regulatory Association) and key business leaders in the city the meeting was held at the offices of the Business Forum on Thursday 24 May.

Chief Executive of the PFRA Mick Aldridge said, “The PFRA was delighted to attend this meeting. I am grateful that the Business Forum gave us a fair hearing and I am confident that we can address many of their concerns. Brighton & Hove is a unique city but many of the issues raised have been successfully addressed elsewhere and that experience will benefit us all. The key to success is actively involving the city council to faithfully represent the views of all concerned – residents, retailers, and generous donors”.

Business representatives at the meeting agreed that the situation has improved in Brighton since the BID guards began patrolling the area in November. The guards are able to ensure that the voluntary code that fundraisers observe is properly enforced. However all agreed that a durable solution for the future requires an agreement between the business associations, the local authority, and the PFRA to guarantee success, and that the discussion on 24 May represents a positive step forward in achieving that. All present were confident that they could rely on the support of Brighton & Hove City Council to assist in working out a policy agreed with the PFRA that will move the situation forward effectively.

Brighton Pavillion MP David Lepper said he was pleased with the outcome of the meeting and would continue to monitor developments closely.