House to house collection permit

You will need a permit if you intend to undertake charitable collections.

Collections generally take place from door to door or from one public house to another. 

Whereas street collection permits are normally issued to cover a period of one or two days, a house to house collection permit can be granted for any period up to one year. With regard to vetting and checking to ascertain whether the organisation applying is genuine or not, the same procedures apply as for street collections. As with street collection permits there is a requirement for the promoter of the collection to make a return following the collection. 

Checklist

1. Complete Application

2. A leaflet about the charity you are collecting for.
3. A letter of authority from the charity which states that you are authorised.
4. The authority requires a minimum of 1 months notice prior to the collection date

Applications can be made online

There is no charge for this process.

The outcome of your application will be determined within 28 days.

• House to House Collection

A return form must be completed following the collection and returned to the Council. This form will be sent to you once your application form has been received, alternatively you can submit the form online:

House to House Returns

A house to house collection permit can be granted for a period of up to one year. Some charities have a Charity Commission exemption from having to apply for a permit, but most groups and organisations need a permit before they can collect money (or articles which they intend to sell later), from door to door. Unlike street collections, there is a statutory right of appeal against the refusal to grant a house to house collection permit. In this case, the right of appeal is to the Secretary of State, and the grounds for refusal are set out in the Act itself. One of the key grounds for refusal would be where the total amount likely to be applied for charitable purpose as a result of the collection, is inadequate in proportion to the value of the proceeds likely to be received. So, for instance, where an applicant intends to claim a fair proportion of the proceeds of the collection for expenses, a permit could be refused. There is no statutory guidance to local authorities on what would be a reasonable amount for expenses. A copy of the House to House Collections Act 1939 can be viewed at the Council Offices where you can also obtain an application form and a copy of our standard conditions.