House to house collection permit

Licence summary

There are two types of permission that can be granted by the council in respect of charity collections they are:

1. House to House collection permits are issued under House to House Collections Act 1939 grant permission to collect money or goods for a charitable purpose door to door or pub to pub.
2. Street collection permits which grant permission for people to collect money or sell goods for a charitable purpose in public places.

If you do not hold an exemption order issued by the Cabinet Office and wish to collect money or goods door to door or pub to pub then you need to apply for a house to house collection permit.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must complete the application form to the satisfaction of the council and be a fit and proper person.

Will tacit consent apply?

Yes. This means that if you have not heard from the council within the target completion period of 28 days you will be able to act as though your application is granted. Please note this period will not commence until a complete application has been submitted.

We would always recommend that you contact us for a copy of your permission as you are required to have this when making collections.

How do I apply?

By post

For new applications please forward the following documents to the licensing team at least 28 days prior to the proposed date of the collection:

1. Application form  (msword, 67 KB) (opens new window)please note this form must be completed by the main promoter of the collection
2. A letter from the charity that you wish to collect for authorising you to collect on their behalf.
3. You may also wish to submit further information regarding the charity for information

Please note there is no application fee required.

If you wish to submit your financial statement please forward the financial statement (msword, 70 KB) (opens new window)to Licensing.

Apply online

Apply for house to house collection permit

Submit a financial return for house to house collection

What happens once I receive my permit?

You are advised to read through the regulations (msword, 67 KB) (opens new window) attached to the permit and required to return a financial statement  (msword, 70 KB) (opens new window)within 28 days after the collection date. You will be issued with a permit when it has been processed. Please contact the Licensing team if you have any queries.

Applicant complaints

Please contact us in the first instance. You have the right to appeal to the Minister for the Cabinet Office. Appeals must be lodged within 14 days of the refusal.

Licence holder redress

Please contact us in the first instance. You have the right to appeal to the Minister for the Cabinet Office. Appeals must be lodged within 14 days of the decision.

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

 Customer satisfaction survey

Enforcement and Regulatory Services are undertaking a customer satisfaction survey (Snap survey) to evaluate the level of service that you have received and to consider how we can improve our service. We would appreciate your comments.

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