CALLS for tougher rules for “charity muggers” have been welcomed across Oxford.

Street fundraisers, who are given the not-so-affectionate name “chuggers”, could face tougher rules after a new government report warned they were “suffocating” the high street.

The report by Lord Hodgson calls for more powers for councils to regulate charity fundraisers who work in cities and towns.

ROX (formerly Rescue Oxford) traders’ association chairman Graham Jones, who represents city businesses, said: “I don’t think they should be encouraged in any way. They’re bad news.

“I think if people have had a bad experience they might think twice about coming to Oxford, so it could have an effect on trade in that way, I suppose.”

He welcomed the recommendations, adding: “I think if the council concludes someone has been abusive and gone beyond the traders’ code then I think they should be punished.

“Toughening up the law is a good thing.”

Lord Hodgson called for new national guidelines for the licensing of street fundraisers which would regulate their conduct.

He said there was a “broad consensus” that the current licensing laws did not apply to “chugging” because it involved donors signing up to direct debit payments rather than handing over cash.

Oxford City Council board member for city development, Colin Cook, said he was unsure of what the current rules were, but welcomed calls for tighter regulation.

He said: “I expect there’s going to be a broad spectrum of opinion on this, but I personally welcome it.

“I’m not sure what powers we currently have, but I know we’re looking at it.”

The Public Fundraising Regulatory Association estimates about £130m is donated to charity each year from people recruited through “chugging”.

Among the hundreds of charities to employ the method is Oxford-based humanitarian organisation Oxfam.

A spokesman said: “Face-to-face fundraising is an important source of income for charities in the UK.

“It is crucially important to Oxfam the public has every confidence street fundraisers are operating ethically.

“We therefore support any initiatives that ensure regulations are in place and being enforced. We want people to feel positive about giving to Oxfam.

“Right now, we’re appealing for donations to help more than 19 million people in West Africa who are facing serious food shortages.”

Oxford Mail: ‘SURPRISED’: Graham Jones, of the High Street Business Association, at the bus gate

Graham Jones, of ROX