A veterans’ fundraising organisation, **We R Blighty**, has received significant penalties for conducting illegal street collections for the second time in just a few months. On **November 5, 2023**, the **City of London Magistrates’ Court** imposed fines and legal costs on the company’s directors, **Ben Mills** and **Danielle Vidler**, shortly before the Remembrance Day observance.
The court heard that between **August 2024** and **February 2023**, Mills and Vidler had pleaded guilty to **14 offences** related to collecting donations without the necessary licenses. The company was fined **£1,200**, while Mills received a penalty of **£240** and Vidler was fined **£220**. In addition to these fines, We R Blighty was ordered to pay **£1,500** in legal costs and a victim surcharge of **£480**.
This recent hearing follows previous offences involving unlicensed collections at **Cannon Street**, **London Bridge**, and **Leadenhall Market** earlier in 2023. At that time, both directors were aware that legal proceedings were already underway concerning earlier violations.
During the hearing, Mills admitted to six offences, whereas Vidler acknowledged five, alongside six breaches attributed to the company itself. A spokesperson for We R Blighty clarified that the latest conviction pertains to activities conducted prior to the previously reported case earlier this year. They emphasized that the timing of the hearing may have created the impression that these were new offences associated with Remembrance Day, which they assert is not the case.
The **Fundraising Regulator**, an independent charity watchdog, reported that We R Blighty had committed nine breaches of its code of practice, raising concerns about potential misrepresentation to donors. The Regulator noted that some of the organisation’s fundraisers exhibited aggressive and unprofessional behaviour, which could mislead the public regarding their affiliation with reputable veterans’ charities.
John Fletcher, Chairman of the corporation’s licensing committee, expressed his disappointment at the organisation’s actions. He stated, “As a veteran of 17 years’ service, I understand how important it is to support reputable veterans’ charities, especially at a time of year when we remember the service and sacrifice of the men and women who fought and died representing our country.” Fletcher contrasted the conduct of We R Blighty with the dignified approach of legitimate charities, underscoring the need for accountability in fundraising practices.
In response to the court’s findings, a spokesperson for We R Blighty asserted that the organisation has implemented “significant changes to its processes and internal oversight” since the violations occurred. They noted, “It is also important to note that We R Blighty C.I.C. received the lowest level of fine available to the court for these offences,” and highlighted that the court had ordered the return of equipment seized from the organisation, indicating their compliance and cooperation with regulatory bodies.
We R Blighty reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the veteran community and confirmed ongoing efforts to ensure its fundraising activities meet the highest standards of transparency and responsibility. They emphasized that their mission remains to assist veterans facing homelessness and financial difficulties after leaving the armed forces.
