John Leech MP warns of Bogus Clothing Charities

3.24.52pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd Jul 2008

John Leech MP is warning local residents of bogus clothing charities that are targeting households with flyers, asking for charitable donations of clothing and toiletries etc, to be sent to third world countries.

John Leech said, "These companies clearly imply charitable rather than profit-making motives. However, on closer inspection it is clear that these "charities" are actually commercial companies. This is misleading and is taking advantage of people's charitable good will".

"I have previously backed a motion in Parliament highlighting the issue of bogus charities. This is an issue that a number of constituents have raised with me, and it is a real concern that these companies are depriving real charities of much needed donations, at the estimated cost of £3 million a year".