Public charitable collections licence

Licence summary

To run a group or organisation that makes public or house-to-house collections for charitable purposes you need a licence for the collection from your local authority, unless you hold an exemption.

Eligibility Criteria

The organiser of the collection must apply in writing (including by electronic means) to the Local Authority no later than one month before the date of the collection unless the Local Authority has specified another time period.

Regulation Summary

See the External Links section on this page for the regulation summary.

Application Evaluation Process

The Local Authority shall consult the chief constable for the area and make such other inquiries as they think fit. The Local Authority will consider:

public inconvenience
other collections taking place
the amount of money to be given to charity against the likely proceeds of the collection
any convictions of the organiser

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period

Apply online

Please use the link under the External Links section on this page to submit an application.

Failed Application Redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance. The organiser of a collection may appeal to the sheriff within 14 days of the date of refusal or, if reasons for the refusal have been given, within 14 days from the date of receipt of those reasons.

Licence Holder Redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance. The organiser of a collection may appeal to the sheriff if permission is withdrawn, or against conditions imposed or varied within 14 days of the date of the decision or, if reasons for a decision have been given, within 14 days from the date of receipt of those reasons.

Consumer Complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.