Home / Crime and Justice / Pensioners Fined for Charity Donations: Council Apologizes
Pensioners Fined for Charity Donations: Council Apologizes
19 Feb
Summary
- Two elderly neighbours were threatened with large fines for donating charity bags.
- The council admitted the fines were issued inappropriately and apologized.
- Fines were rescinded after public outcry and council intervention.
Two pensioners in Tonbridge, Kent, faced the threat of hefty fines for attempting to donate clothing to a children's charity. Barbara Wheeler, 73, and her neighbour Margaret Bull, 84, placed bags of clothes by the pavement for the Tree of Hope charity. Weeks later, they received letters from enforcement firm Kingdom, acting for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, alleging waste offences. Ms. Wheeler was warned of potential legal action and a £1,000 fine, while Ms. Bull was issued a £300 Fixed Penalty Notice.
The council leader, Matt Boughton, issued a sincere apology for the distress caused by the fines. He confirmed that the council had met with Kingdom to understand the decisions behind the penalty notices, acknowledging that these kerbside charity collections should not have led to enforcement action. The council is urgently reviewing the circumstances to prevent recurrence and is working with the residents. It has been reported that the fines have been rescinded.
