Minister for civil society Nick Hurd has suggested the holding of a round table on bogus charity collection in a debate today in Westminster.

Bogus charity collections, anecdotally, are the number one complaint regarding charities to ministers and today MP Tracey Crouch hosted the first-ever debate in Westminster Hall on the subject.

Hurd has put forward the suggestion that interested parties host a round table in which issues around the enforcement and education around bogus collections can be debated.

The Institute of Fundraising, which has recently put a revised Code of Practice on House-to-House Collections our for public consultation, has applauded the suggestion.

Amanda McLean, the soon-to-be chief executive of the Institute, said the issue is costing the sector millions of pounds and threatens to undermine public trust and confidence in the sector.

“We hope by taking part in this debate the Institute can help serve its members by eradicating  bogus collectors and helping ensure that the public’s good faith donations reach their intended cause,” she said.

Writing on ePolitix today, Ms Crouch said she wanted more than words from the minister to address what she characterised as a growing problem.

"I will be calling for the minister to offer more than just warm words on this matter and instead lead the attack against this growing nationwide crime.

"The public need to know that they can give with confidence backed up by an effective legislative and regulatory system which catches and punishes illegal operations."