Anger at scrapping of charity sales fee exemption

Members of Saddleworth’s district executive and district partnership have joined protests about the scrapping of fee exemptions for charity and voluntary groups by the council.

The Chronicle has reported that organisers of charity and voluntary car boot sales and markets have received notice demanding a £40 fee for 20 stalls, plus £2 for each extra stall, to obtain a licence for each event.

Saddleworth and Lees District Executive says it “deplores” the decision and has told the council the fee means that in many cases there will be little or no profit from the events.

“We feel that this decision goes against the spirit and principles of a co-operative council where voluntary and community groups are being urged to take on more and more services. We call on the council to reverse this decision,” says a statement.