Charities will need active consent to add on donations to purchases

Some charities include a donation in prices of tickets or merchandise, along with an “opt-out” option if the customer does not wish to make the donation. However, this practice will no longer be permitted under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations, which come into force from 13 June 2014. Instead, charities will need to ensure that consumers have the option to “opt-in” to making the donation, rather than an option to “opt-out”.

These new Regulations will also affect the way charities sell products, including through their websites. Charities which sell goods or services will need to review their standard terms and conditions and practices for dealing with consumers to ensure that they comply wilth the new Regulations. In particular, consumers will be able to cancel any order they make online or when not in the seller’s business premises for up to 14 days instead of the current 7 days and charities will also need to provide consumers with a cancellation form.

For further information on charity donations and fundraising matters please contact our charity law solicitors on 01895 207809 or email charities@ibblaw.co.uk.