To carry out house to house collections for charitable purposes you may need to obtain a house to house collection permit. Some of the larger well-known charities such as Christian Aid and Help the Aged have an exemption order granted to them by the Home Office and this saves them having to apply to the licensing authority for a permit. However, they are requested to advise the Council in writing of the existence of their exemption along with the date and location of collection.

How do I apply for a House to House Collection Permit?

There is no fee for this application. Apply on-line for an Application for a House to House Collection Permit.

The council is permitted to refuse the application, or revoke a permit, if it appears to the council that:

• The total amount likely to be applied for charitable purposes as the result of the collection (including any amount already so applied) is inadequate in proportion to the value of the proceeds likely to be received (including any proceeds already received).
• Remuneration which is excessive in relation to the total amount aforesaid is likely to be, or has been, retained or received out of the proceeds of the collection by any person.
• The grant would facilitate an offence under Section 3 of the Vagrancy Act 1824, or an offence has been committed under this Act in connection with the collection.
• The applicant or the holder of the permit is not a fit and proper person in accordance with the House to House Collections Act 1939.
• The applicant or the holder of the permit failed to exercise due diligence to secure that persons authorised by him/her to act as collectors for the purposes of collection were fit and proper person in accordance with the House to House Collections Act 1939.
• The applicant or the holder of the permit failed to furnish the licensing authority such information as they may be reasonably required of the matters above.

Requirement to submit returns of the House to House collection

Within 28 days after your house to house collection, you are required to submit a return form. Submit an on-line Returns of the House to House collection.

Alternatively you can contact the Licensing Section for application forms.

This authority is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you have provided for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes. For further information, see NFI information on MCC website