Police have confirmed a Kent company raising money on high streets for homeless military veterans is under investigation.

Over the last year it is alleged We R Blighty has been running unlicensed donation stands across the South East without the necessary paperwork, the i paper reports.

The firm, which is registered as a community interest company and not a charity, is based in Millennium Way, Broadstairs, and was originally set up in 2022.

It claims on its website to have raised vital funds to aid ex-service personnel through a variety of means, including “face-to-face engagements with both volunteers and paid professional fundraisers”.

However, Kent Police says it is now investigating reports of alleged “financial irregularities” associated with the firm.

The fundraising watchdog has also confirmed it’s conducting a separate probe into potential breaches of the Code of Fundraising Practice.

The company denies all claims of wrongdoing and has called out online trolls for raising the allegations against it.

But there is no suggestion it does not provide funds for and support homeless veterans.

Its founder Ben Mills, a former Hartsdown Technology College student and ex-veteran himself told The i Paper he and his company had been the target of online trolls and a smear campaign.

“We R Blighty helps veterans in a way that others can’t,” said Mr Mills, explaining that it directly funds temporary accommodation in hotels. His company has many supporters “because they want veterans off the streets,” he added.

He told MailOnline that the company had not breached the fundraising code, stating that because it is a registered company, they are able to fundraise without a licence.

He added: “We used to be able to get an exemption rule because we’re a CIC.

“The charity collections page on the government website states there is an exemption if you are collecting on behalf of a business.

“We didn’t need a permit, we couldn’t get a permit. Now they’ve added the Police Factories Act to the government website, but even that doesn’t make sense.”

We helps veterans in a way that others can’t

“It states on there that if you’re collecting any money for a ‘charitable purpose’ you need a permit.

“I’m not classed as a charity, and if I went around saying I was a charity I’d be absolutely crucified.

“So therefore, they can’t put me in the category of being for a ‘charitable purpose’ either because that would mean I would need to be of a charitable status.”

A CIC is not a registered charity, but is a ‘special type of limited company which exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders’, according to the government website.

In the run-up to Remembrance Day fundraising officials have said it is vital that those raising money are honest and fully transparent about their work.

A spokesperson from the Fundraising Regulator said: “We can confirm that the Fundraising Regulator is currently conducting an investigation into We R Blighty to determine whether or not it has breached the Code of Fundraising Practice.

“The Fundraising Regulator can make no further comment on this investigation while it is ongoing.”

Kent Police says inquiries remain ongoing as part of its investigation.

A spokesman for We R Blighty told KentOnline: “It would only be a matter of time before We R Blighty is looked into due to the constant allegations and attacks online and in person to our staff.

“We R Blighty is still operating and assisting veterans regardless of any investigations that may or may not be taking place for whatever reasons.”