Can I collect money in the street or from people's homes for charity?

Street: Yes, but if you wish to carry out a collection for charitable purposes in the street, written permission will be required from us.  A street collection permit is issued under the Police, Factories, Etc (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1916 and The Charitable Collections (Transitional Provisions) Order 1974, for one day only. If permission is granted a named person will be responsible for compliance with the regulations, and a ‘return' form must be submitted showing details of funds raised, within one month of the collection date.  Only one charitable organisation may carry out a street collection in any one town, on any one day, making prior booking essential.

Homes: Yes, but if you wish to carry out a collection for charitable purposes by calling door to door (private or public houses) collecting cash in tins, using envelopes, or for clothing/goods collections, you will need to apply for a ‘House to House’ collection permit.  The application should be submitted at least 28 days prior to the proposed collection date.  If permission is granted, under the House to House Collections Act 1939 and the House to House Collections Regulations 1947, a named person will be responsible for compliance with the regulations and will be required to obtain Certificates of Authority and Badges for his/her collectors from HM Stationery Office. Once the collection has been carried out, a ‘return' form  must be submitted, within one month of the end of the collection period, showing details of funds raised.  A collection of this nature usually has a duration of one/two weeks and the dates will be specified on the permit.

For more detailed information and advice or for an application form, please telephone 01273 484355.