If you're collecting money or selling stuff for charity in a public place, you need a permit.
To apply, you must submit a completed application form (PDF 72kB) with details of your collection.
The collection must be for charitable purposes or on behalf of a charity. It cannot be for private gain. All collectors must follow our street collection regulations (PDF 158kB).
Our policy is that only one collection will be allowed in the town centre at a time, and that generally permits will not be granted:
- for more than two days in one week
- more than one Saturday in a calendar month
- between 9am and 7pm
- on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
- You must give at least 28 days notice of a collection (except in cases of emergency appeals). We can make provisional bookings.
We aim to issue permits within 10 working days. You can assume your permit has been granted if you do not hear from us within 30 working days.
You must submit an audited statement (PDF 71kB) within 28 days after the collection with details of how much you raised.
We have a site management agreement with the Institute of Fundraising (IoF). Any direct debit collections must be booked through the IoF.
You can appeal to the Secretary of State within 28 days of being refused a permit.
Complaints should be referred to our Licensing team.
