Charity shops - regulations

[Ethel]

I can't find the answer to my query but am sure somebody knows.

A shop near me is selling second hand items and accepting donations. It is called Bargains4U and has a handwritten small notice on the door that 'This is a charity shop'.

Now, is this enough? Shouldn't it at least display the name of the charity, and maybe the registered charity number?

[Whickerman]

Sorry Ethel, I'm unsure, but I would suspect that anyone with a wit about them would avoid giving to such an enterprise, and go to Oxfam or somesuch instead? Seems rather odd to me.

In fact, it may be genuine but it's fishy - the only mention on the first few google pages is an ebay sales crowd. They're definitely doing themselves no favours if they are legit...

[jenty]

by law all charities have to be registered and have to show the certificate of the charity along with the number...

[Ethel]

Where do they have to show that, jenty? On receipts, or to anybody asking?

Can an established church, for example the Church of England or Roman Catholic Church, operate charity shops?

This particular shop is claiming to be for 'the Church'

[Mr Veritas]

Well Ethel,
If you enter Bargains4U at the Charity Commisioners Search Facility it returns nothing (no surprise there then).
Of course whatever "church" it is registered under.as may be different.
Although I haven't read right through it,you might find this site interesting.
http://www.charityshops.org.uk/CodeCharityReta iling.html
I don't think the Code is obligatory though,but if the shop you mention doesn't abide by it it is a bit suspect.

[fredpuli47]

Sounds like something for the local Trading Standards Officer . There must be something in all the Regulations and law, which covers this practice.Anyone dishonest can say they are working for a charity and the temptation and the profit are both greater at Christmas!.Being silent, vague or coy about details would be wise, since any passer by or donor might contact the charity named.When the charity denies all knowledge....

[Ethel]

Mr Veritas - I did see that link, thanks, but it doesn't really give the info I need.

I was under the impression that churches cannot be a registered charity, although they can and do raise money for charities.

I will contact Trading Standards, I think. It's bad enough with scammers distributing and collecting bags, and thieves stealing bags put out for charity, without shops doing it as well

[Skyline D]

Churches can certainly be registered charities in Scotland Ethel. I act for several of them in that regard.

I cannot speak for the legal framework in England.

[TCL-MUMPING]

There are various churches the law recognises as charities and as such they need not be registered, the Church of England is one of these. See here for more details, http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/registrati on/regreq.asp#a