# MPs back calls for tighter fundraising rules says research

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/12/23/mps-and-public-want-tighter-fundraising-rules-says-research/
- Published: 2015-12-23T19:10:20+00:00
- Author: Melanie May

**Negative media coverage of fundraising practices means that the majority of MPs
across all parties (63%) now support tighter regulations, according to the [nfpSynergy Charity Parliamentary Monitor](http://nfpsynergy.net/press-release/new-research-shows-mps-public-want-tighter-regulation-charity-fundraising).**

The research surveyed 150 MPs in October, and found that 63% of MPs across all parties
think stricter rules are needed. Half (49%) also think that it is a necessary move
even if it results in charities raising less money, while 62% also agree that Parliament
should be doing more to scrutinise charities and their activities.

The research also indicates that MPs’ broader perceptions of charities have been
affected by last summer’s negative media coverage. 43% of MPs overall say they find
it harder to trust charities as a result of recent media stories, with 26% of MPs
less likely to support charity campaigns in Parliament.

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Only 24% of those surveyed felt charities had defended and explained their fundraising
practices well, while 23% said they had received a substantial number of complaints
about fundraising practices from their constituents.

Public opinion seems to mirror that of MPs according to further October research
by nfpSynergy: the Charity Awareness Monitor, which regularly surveys a representative
sample of 1,000 adults aged 16+.  According to this report, 71% of the general public
also think that tighter regulation is needed even if it means that charities raise
less money, while 68% of those surveyed thought that charities and their activities
should come under closer scrutiny from Parliament. 30% thought charities have done
a good job of defending and explaining their fundraising practices in light of negative
media coverage.

Tim Harrison, nfpSynergy director of tracking research said:

> “It’s worrying to see that recent media coverage of fundraising scandals has had
> such a negative impact on how MPs see charities. Public trust in charities has
> fallen this year, and it’s now clear that MPs from all parties are keen to respond
> to this by backing a crackdown on invasive fundraising practices.”

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