TRADING standards officers have had more than 50 complaints from Lancashire companies about firms who exploit legal loopholes to make cash from charities.

And Jim Potts, head of the county's trading standards department, is calling on County Hall bosses to crack down on the callous companies.

According to a council report, publishers in Lancashire have been ringing companies asking if they want to advertise in pamphlets supporting good causes.

The publications are usually brought out by community organisations, charities, hospitals and schools.

Often the callers ask if people want to support the cause or make a donation to a "worthy cause". Companies are usually happy to support charity appeals but the call is then followed up with an invoice and a demand for cash.

The publishers exploiting the loophole have been asking for sums of money ranging from £75 to £200 to pay for advertising space.

The practice is not covered by existing legislation because publication law does not cover charity pamphlets and appeal leaflets.

Laws covering charities can also be exploited if the caller asks for donations to general "worthy causes" rather than a specific appeal.

Trading standards chief Jim Potts is now calling on Lancashire County Council to look at ways of strengthening the law.

Meetings are also being planned with the Charity Commission and the Association of County Councils.

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