House to House Collection Licence

To carry out house to house collections for charitable purposes you will need a licence from the local authority.

Who can apply?

Charitable organisations who are planning to hold a collection of money (or articles for sale or use) by means of visits from house to house (including business premises).

When to make an application?

Download application for house to house collection licence (PDF 30Kb)

Please submit your application to Licensing Services at least 28 days before the proposed collection.

How much will it cost?

There is no charge for a house to house collection licence. However, once a licence has been issued, you will need to apply to The Stationery Office for copies of the certificate of authority and badges (which you will need to supply to all your collectors). The Stationery Office charges for badges: 30p each £4 for 20 £10 for 100 plus a handling charge of £3 (plus VAT) per order (all other prices are inclusive of VAT and payable to The Stationery Office.

The council will supply you with an order form for this purpose when your licence is issued.

When can I hold a collection and how long can I hold it for?

There are no restrictions on the allocation of dates for house to house collections, or on the length of the collection (provided it is less than one calendar year). Many collections are carried out by regional or national charitable organisations who often book their collections well in advance. If you would like to be sure that your collection will not clash with another organisation, please contact us and check in advance of completing your application form.

Will tacit authorisation apply?

Yes, you should expect that the council will determine this application within 28 days from the date on which it receives your application.

The clock starts when the completed application is submitted along with all the required information and documents requested, including fee. If the local authority spots an error or omission in the application, it can be placed on hold and the clock starts from the beginning when the applicant either supplies a correction or all the information requested.

If your application can not be determined because the council needs more information, you will be notified, and the clock will stop until the outstanding information is supplied.

If the council has received objections to the application which means that it will have to be referred to a licensing panel, you will be notified in writing. The period will then be extended to the date on which your application is determined at hearing, and you will be notified of the outcome of the hearing not later than 10 working days after the day of the hearing.