Members of our Parish have contacted Ferret regarding Shancys Help the Needy.
This is a “Charity” which has been run by Councillor Shane Folletti and his wife Nancy.
For a number of years they have taken monetary donations as well as items at their shop on Kirkby Road in Hemsworth.
In addition, they have been provided with monetary grants from Independent Hemsworth Town Council on a number of occasions, since May 2019 when Mr Jim Kenyon and his cabal took office.
Ferret has sought clarification from Councillor Shane Folletti on a number of occasions regarding the Charity status of “Shancys Help the Needy”, he has declined to comment.
Ferret can find no record of “Shancys Help the Needy” at the Charities Commission for England and Wales.
Charity fraud is the unlawful appropriation of funds obtained through charitable donations. This might happen if funds are raised for a charity that does not actually exist, or if funds are raised for a legitimate charity but are not used for their intended purpose.
Types of charity fraud
There are three main offences under the Fraud Act 2006:
- Fraud by false representation
- Fraud by failing to disclose information
- Abuse of position.
Charity fraud typically relates to the first offence: fraud by false representation. One example is where funds are collected for a bogus charity.
The failure to disclose information and the abuse of position may also factor into the allegations, as individuals may be accused of covering their tracks or turning a blind eye to fraudulent activity.
What are the penalties for charity fraud?
The maximum penalty for charity fraud is 10 years in prison and repayment of funds
Maybe Councillor Folletti could enlighten us, once and for all because:
As already stated, Ferret can find no record of “Shancys Help the Needy” at the Charities Commission for England and Wales.
Councillor Folletti describes Shancys Help the Needy as a “Charity organisation” on their Facebook group.
Maybe Councillor Folletti could enlighten this Community, once and for all and quickly…
Well as the saying goes, “charity begins at home”.
Perhaps HTC should be looking at only helping charities who are registered.
Oh dear me! I hope for Mr Foletti sake that this is simply a case of not registering the charity, but still ensuring any donations have gone to the needy. If he can provide an audit trail, he may be okay. But, it still shows the absolute amateurish of the people who represent the community and are involved in decision making of financial significance for the parish. Its not good enough. I really do hope it is just a case of shamateurism.
Regards