The government will "bring forward measures to address issues in the charity sector" following the death of poppy seller Olive Cooke, leader of the House of Commons Chris Grayling has said.
Cooke is believed to have committed suicide earlier this month, and some national newspapers claimed she had been "hounded to death" by charities.
Grayling (pictured) described the case as an “example of wholly inappropriate behaviour”.
He was speaking in response to a question raised by John Spellar, Labour MP for Warley, in a parliamentary debate this morning. Spellar asked what will be done to stop this “gross exploitation”.
Spellar said: “The country was shocked by the death of Olive Cooke, who had been pursued by charity fundraisers. Vulnerable pensioners around the country are regularly and relentlessly being targeted not only by charity fundraisers but by criminal organisations, many operating from outside the UK. This causes great distress, not only to them but to their family and friends who are concerned about their welfare.
“I recognise that dealing with this effectively will require cross-departmental action. Will he put that to his colleagues and ensure an early statement on how we can stop this gross exploitation?”
Grayling responded saying that he agreed with Spellar. He went on to say: “This Government will bring forward measures to address issues in the charitable sector. That will provide an opportunity to debate and discuss these issues, but I hope he will make a point of continuing to push on this matter during this Parliament.
“He will not find opposition in any part of the House to ensuring that charities operate in a way that is acceptable and, frankly, consistent with the role they are supposed to play.”
Olive Cooke was found dead by the Avon Gorge earlier this month, believed to have committed suicide. She had previously spoken out about feeling overwhelmed with the amount of mail and telephone calls she received from charity fundraisers.
Following news of her death, many media outlets suggested she was driven to death by charities, a claim that her family has denied. An investigation into the case and the wider sector by the Fundraising Standards Board is currently ongoing.
