How to apply for a street collection licence
Fees and how to apply
It is unlawful to hold a street collection to collect money or sell articles for the benefit of charitable or similar purposes without obtaining a street collection licence from the council.
Fees
Although the council incurs costs for issuing a street collection licence, there is no charge for an application.
How to apply
All applications must be received one month prior to the date proposed for the collection. Provisional enquiries can be made by telephoning 01455 255946 or by contacting Licensing
Before applying, please refer to the guidance notes and regulations:
Apply online for a licence
Apply online for a street collection licence
Alternatively, we can send you an application form: Contact Licensing
Certificate of accounts
You will need to send back the completed certificate of accounts form (which we send you when we acknowledge your application) within one month of the date of your collection to the address on the form.
Time period for council to normally approve the application
Two months
What happens if your application is not processed by this council within the normal approved time period (Tacit consent)
It is in the public interest that to process the application, it may be required to consult other external agencies prior to making a decision. If you have not received confirmation that your licence application has been granted or rejected within two months of submission, you may not start your collection.
Allocation of days for collecting
In the interest of fairness to all charities, one charitable collection is allocated to each charitable organisation on a quarterly basis, whether for money or direct debit pledges. This is so that no one charity can monopolise charitable street collections in the borough.
There will be one charitable collection permitted per week up to December. In December, two charitable collections per week will be allowed during the Christmas period.
Complaints concerning the process
In the first instance, please contact Licensing
Any person who is refused a licence or objects to a condition attached to a licence may appeal to the local magistrates' court.
Any change in circumstances
If you wish to vary any licence condition or change premises or proprietor, a fresh application will be required.
Last updated: 26/03/2024 14:03
