The Fundraising Regulator has issued a stark warning about two prominent community interest companies (CICs) operating on Britain's streets, accusing them of "putting public generosity at risk" through persistent rule-breaking and aggressive fundraising tactics. We R Blighty, which supports veterans, and Inside Success, an anti-violence and training organisation for young people, together account for one in six of all complaints received by the regulator.
Complaints and Regulatory Action
Between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, the Fundraising Regulator received 387 'in-remit' complaints, with 73 specifically related to community interest companies. The majority of grievances centred on repeated contact and misleading information, with 56 complaints logged for each category. These organisations have become familiar presences at train stations and busy high streets across the country, but their pushy behaviour has damaged their reputation among the public.
Specific Offences and Fines
Both organisations have faced significant penalties from local authorities for operating without proper permits or licences. In Manchester, Inside Success was fined £665 for five offences, while the City of London imposed a much larger £5,000 fine on We R Blighty. The regulator has highlighted these cases as examples of how inadequate permissions and misleading practices are undermining confidence in street fundraising.
Regulatory Response and Legislative Calls
Jim Tebbett, head of proactive regulation at the Fundraising Regulator, expressed serious concerns about the impact of these organisations' behaviour. "Repeated rule-breaking, particularly by a small number of CICs, is eroding confidence in street fundraising, harming legitimate charities that follow the rules, and putting public generosity at risk," he stated.
The regulator has called for updates to the century-old Police, Factories, etc (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1916 to empower councils to tackle regular offenders more effectively through fixed penalty notices. Currently, the legislation provides insufficient tools for local authorities to address persistent fundraising violations.
Charity Commission Perspective
The Charity Commission, which does not regulate CICs as they are not registered charities, emphasised the broader implications of such practices. "We know that many people will donate under the misconception that they are, in fact, charities," a spokesperson told The Times. "Poor fundraising practice, whether by registered charities or by other organisations such as CICs, undermines public trust in donating to good causes."
Organisational Responses
Ben Mills, one of We R Blighty's directors, defended the organisation's practices in a statement to The Times, claiming he had not been presented with evidence of aggressive behaviour by the fundraising regulator. He suggested that an online group had orchestrated a "calculated and premeditated" attack against the CIC and asserted that the organisation "100 per cent" acts lawfully.
Inside Success describes itself on its website as offering training, advice and employment opportunities to over 30,000 people aged between 16 and 24. The organisation claims to have hosted more than 50 workshops last year and presents itself as a national platform providing hands-on work experience and mentorship.
Broader Implications for Fundraising
The controversy highlights significant challenges in the fundraising sector, particularly regarding public perception and regulatory oversight of community interest companies. Unlike traditional charities, CICs can operate for profit and pay their directors, creating different accountability structures that may contribute to the problematic behaviours identified by the regulator.
As these organisations continue their work—We R Blighty supporting veterans with homelessness, education, and employment issues, and Inside Success focusing on youth development—the regulatory scrutiny and public complaints suggest a pressing need for clearer guidelines and stronger enforcement mechanisms to protect both donors and the reputation of legitimate fundraising efforts across the country.
