Charitable collections licence

How much does it cost?

There is no fee for this licence.

Do I need a licence?

If you plan to carry out a house to house collection in the borough, you may need a licence from us before collecting.
 
A licence is not required if you hold a national exemption order. 

Please note: charity bags and clothing collections also require a licence.

Before you apply

Please apply at least one month before you plan to start collecting.

Before submitting your application, please make sure you:

• have checked whether your collection requires a licence

• have read the licence conditions and guidance

• allow enough time for your application to be processed before your planned collection date

Licences can be granted for up to 12 months, although most collections are licensed for shorter periods.

How to apply

Download the application form

Download the application form and complete all relevant sections.

If you are renewing an existing licence, please use the same form and complete the renewal sections where applicable.
  

Download the application form

Complete the form

Please ensure that:

• all required sections are completed

• supporting documents are included (if required)

• the information provided is accurate and up to date

Incomplete applications may take longer to process.

Upload your form

Once you have completed the form, upload it using our online service.

You will need:

• your completed application form

• any supporting documents
    

Upload the form

What happens next?

Once we receive your application and payment, we will review the information provided. If we need any additional information, we will contact you.

When a licence may be refused

We may refuse to grant a licence or, where a licence has already been granted, may revoke it in circumstances specified in the legislation and these include:

• the total amount likely to be applied for charitable purposes is inadequate in proportion to the value of the proceeds likely to be received

• remuneration retained by any person out of the proceeds is excessive

• the granting of a licence would facilitate begging

• the applicant or anyone authorised by him to collect is not a fit and proper person

• the applicant or licence holder has refused or neglected to provide us with such information as it reasonably required

There is a right of appeal to the Secretary of State against the refusal or revocation of a licence within 14 days from the date on which notice is given of the refusal or the revocation. 

Regulations 

Regulations have been made by the Secretary of State and they include the following provisions: 

• every promoter of a collection must exercise all due diligence to secure that persons authorised to act as collectors are fit and proper persons and secure compliance by collectors with the regulations
    
• no promoter shall permit any person to act as a collector unless he has issued to that person:
     
  • a prescribed certificate of authority
      
  • a prescribed badge, and
      
  • if money is to be collected, a collecting box marked, or a receipt book (with receipts and counterfoils or duplicates consecutively numbered) marked on every receipt, with a general indication of the purpose of the collection, and a distinguishing number
      
• in the case of a collection in respect of which a licence has been granted, every prescribed certificate of authority shall be given on a form obtained from The Stationery Office, and every prescribed badge shall be so obtained
    
• no person under the age of 16 shall act, or be authorised to act, as a collector of money
    
• no collector shall importune any person to the annoyance of such person or remain in, or at the door of, any house if requested to leave by any occupant thereof
    
• the promoter of a collection must provide an account of the collection to us within one month of the expiry of the licence