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Please note: Translations are handled by an external website and are not endorsed by Peterborough City Council.

Charity collections

There are a variety of different types of charity collection, if you are collecting for charity this information may be useful. 

Street collections

A street collection is a charity or organisation collecting cash donations in a public place. To collect on the public highway (including streets and private locations to which the public have access) the applicant is required to:

  • Complete an application form, please allow one month for the application to be processed
  • Adhere to regulations (issued with permit)
  • Complete and return a 'form of statement' declaring proceeds within one month of the collection

To collect at the entrances to private property locations the applicant is required to:

  • Gain permission in the first instance from the landlord/proprietor
  • Follow the above procedure
  • Ensure all collectors remain within the permitted area
  • At all locations the Council's collection (date) identification badge must be worn

The document below appears in Adobe® Acrobat® (PDF) format. In order to view it you will need to have Acrobat Reader installed. (Those with visual impairments may wish to investigate Access Adobe, which provides tools and information to help make PDF files more accessible). 

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PDF file icon  Street collections permit application form
  (101KB, 2 pages)

House to house collections

A house to house collection is a collection of cash (or other specified items such as second hand clothing) from houses or business premises. To collect house to house the applicant is required to complete an application form, please allow one month for the application to be processed. If a charity has a home office exemption certificate the application process is not necessary although the council requests notice of collection prior to it taking place. When the permit is received apply for identification badges from Her Majesty's stationery office (relevant form will be sent with permit).

Carol singing

Carol singing can be performed within the city centre pedestrian area by booking with the City Centre Services team. If donations are expected a Street Collection Permit would need to be obtained. See above notes for Street Collections. Carol singing can be carried out 'house to house' or 'pub to pub' etc. and money collected only if a House to House Collection Permit has been obtained. See above notes for House to House Collections. If the route planned involves the group entering private premises (i.e. pubs/clubs) consent must be obtained from the proprietor prior to the event.

Carol floats

In order to collect donations whilst taking a carol float around a residential area the organiser must write in the first instance to the City Centre Services office outlining the route planned. The application will be forwarded to the Police who will process the application and issue the permit. All collectors must be over the age of 16. A financial return must be sent to the City Centre Services team within one month of the collection taking place.