A veterans’ fundraising organisation, We R Blighty, has been penalised for conducting illegal street collections for a second time. On November 5, 2023, the directors faced a hearing at the City of London Magistrates’ Court, where they were ordered to pay thousands of pounds in fines, legal costs, and victim surcharges.
We R Blighty is based in Broadstairs and claims to support veterans who are homeless or struggling after leaving the armed forces. In June, founder Ben Mills and managing director Danielle Vidler pleaded guilty to 14 offences of collecting money without a licence between August 2022 and February 2023. They were fined £3,640 for unlicensed collections in the Square Mile, despite knowing that legal action was already underway regarding earlier offences that occurred in March, April, and May of this year.
During the recent court session, Mills acknowledged six offences, while Vidler admitted to five. The company itself was found guilty of six additional breaches. As a result, We R Blighty was fined £1,200, with individual fines of £240 for Mills and £220 for Vidler. The court also mandated the organisation to cover legal costs of £1,500 and a victim surcharge of £480.
In response to the situation, a spokesperson for We R Blighty clarified that the latest conviction pertains to activities conducted prior to the previously reported case earlier this year. They emphasised that the timing of the hearing may have created the impression that these were new offences associated with Remembrance Day, which they argued is not accurate.
This latest ruling follows a report from the Fundraising Regulator, which identified nine breaches of its code of practice by We R Blighty. The report raised concerns that donors may have been misled by ambiguous messaging suggesting a connection with a reputable veterans’ charity. It also noted that some fundraisers behaved aggressively and unprofessionally.
The chairman of the corporation’s licensing committee, John Fletcher, expressed his disappointment with We R Blighty’s actions. He stated, “As a veteran of 17 years’ service, I understand how important it is to support reputable veterans’ charities, especially at a time of year when we remember the service and sacrifice of the men and women who fought and died representing our country.” He further highlighted the contrast between the organisation’s approach and that of legitimate charities.
In light of the recent conviction, a spokesperson for We R Blighty indicated that the organisation has implemented significant changes to its processes and internal oversight since the time of the offences. They added, “It is also important to note that We R Blighty C.I.C. received the lowest level of fine available to the court for these offences.”
Additionally, the court ordered the return of all equipment held by We R Blighty, reflecting the organisation’s cooperation in addressing past concerns. The spokesperson reaffirmed their commitment to working constructively with regulatory bodies and ensuring that their fundraising activities adhere to the highest standards. They concluded by reiterating their mission to support the veteran community in a transparent and ethical manner.
