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House to house collection licence

Charitable collections city wide – clothing etc in compliance with the House to House Collections Regulations 1947 (as amended) and the House to House Collections Act 1939.

Licence summary

In order to make a House to House charitable collection you will need a permit. Large charities quite often have a Home Office Exemption Order and this makes them exempt from having to obtain a permit from the local authority, although they should notify the local authority of their intention to commence this activity within the local authority boundaries.

The Chief Constable of the Police area can issue certificates for the purpose of completing a charitable House to House Collection if he (the Chief Constable for the Police Area comprising a locality in which a collection for charitable purpose is being proposed) is satisfied that the purpose is local in character, and that the collection is likely to be completed within a short period. Where a Certificate is so granted, a Licence from the Licensing Authority is not required, and the provisions of the Regulations shall not apply to a collection made in conformity with such Certificate.

The Home Office issue Exemption Orders to large charities which make regular House to House Collections. When volunteers, or promotion companies commissioned by the Charities are going to make a House to House Collection they should be informed whether or not the Charity has been issued with an Exemption Order or not. If they have an Exemption Order, then they do not have to apply for a License from the Local Licensing Authority, but they should inform that Authority that they are planning to make a collection in their area.

Eligibility criteria

If you do not have an Exemption Order, you will need to fill in a Permit Application Form. Web link

If you have not applied for a Licence before, your details will be subject to a Police Check (this can take several days to obtain). The results of this check will determine whether or not a Licence will be issued to you.

Fees

Currently Peterborough City Council does not charge for this Licence.

Regulation summary

Every promoter of a collection must exercise all due diligence to secure that persons authorised to act as collectors are fit and proper persons and to secure compliance by collectors within the Regulations.

No promoter of a collection shall permit any person to act as a collector unless he has issued to that person a prescribed certificate of authority, badge, or if money is to be collected a collection box marked with a general indication of the purpose of the collection and a distinguishing number.

Please refer to the House to House Collections Act 1939 and the House to House Collections Regulations 1947 (amended).

Application evaluation process

On receipt of an application form, it is checked to see if the applicant has been issued with a Licence in the past.

It is then checked thoroughly in order to make sure that the relevant information is correct.

Once this has been checked a Licence Number is issued in line with our procedures.

A Licence is issued containing all the relevant information, together with Form of Statement and Home Office Stationery Application Form.

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that Peterborough City Council must process your application before a licence can be granted. If you have not heard from Peterborough City Council with a reasonable period, please contact us using the details below.

Public register

No public Register exists.

Failed application redress

Any applicant refused a permit can appeal in writing to the Markets and Commercial Trading Manager, at the Contact details as above but appeals must be lodged within 14 days of the refusal.

You have the right to appeal to the Minister for the Cabinet office.

Licence holder redress

You have the right to appeal to the Minister for the Cabinet Office. Appeals must be lodged within 14 days of the decision.

Other redress 

It is always advisable to make contact with The Markets and Commercial Trading Manager in writing giving details of any complaints eg, more than one collection at the same time in the same area.

Contact details

City Centre Services
City Operations
Operations Department
Peterborough City Council
Town Hall
Bridge Street
Peterborough
PE1 1HG

Email: citycentreservices@peterborough.gov.uk

Telephone: 01733 452288 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.