Limiting the number of charity shops in an area would be a mistake, the minister for civil society told the Charity Retail Association’s AGM.

Rob Wilson, the recently appointed charities minister and Conservative MP for Reading East, was referring to proposals made by the Welsh government that local authorities should be able to cap the number of charity shops in their area.

Limiting the number of charity shops in an area was among the recommendations made in the Business Rates Wales Review, which also proposed reducing the rate relief charity shops receive.  

Wilson told the CRA’s AGM in London on yesterday: “What’s great about charity shops is that local communities get behind them. They do a great job attracting more people into the high streets.
 
“The Welsh Assembly was trying to limit the number of charity shops in an area and I think that is a mistake, to not allow more than one or two charity shops on a high street.”

He spoke about the importance of the social value charity shops add to communities by providing volunteering opportunities and helping long-term unemployed people back into work.

Wilson said charity retailers should engage with local businesses. 

"It is important charity shops look outwards and not just to the day to day operational issues. I would encourage you to continue to engage at a local level with councils and business organisations," he said.

He said his priorities were increasing the number of young people taking part in the National Citizen Service, encouraging social investment, finding ways to provide activities for young people, and increasing the number of people actively participating in volunteering.

He said: “Looking ahead I’ve only got 100 working days before Parliament is dissolved ahead of the 2015 general election. So there is a limit to what I can achieve in this short space of time.

“But I will be talking to you about how the government can make life better for charities and how we can ensure the sector flourishes.”