Licence - House to house collection
A permit is required to undertake a 'house to house' collection, under the House to House Collections Act 1939.
Service Contact:
Licensing Service
PO Box 257, The Council House
College Road
Doncaster
DN1 1RN
01302 737590 or 736671
licensing@doncaster.gov.uk
Whereas street collection permits are normally issued to cover a period of one or two days, a house to house collection permit can be granted for any period up to one year. With regard to vetting and checking to ascertain whether the organisation applying is genuine or not, the same procedures apply as for street collections.
As with street collection permits there is a requirement for the promoter of the collection to make a return following the collection.
Collections generally take place from door to door or from one public house to another.
Some of the larger well-known charities such as Christian Aid, Help the Aged etc, have a Charity Commission exemption from having to apply for a permit, but by and large most of the smaller, and particularly local groups and organisations need a permit before they can collect money (or articles which they intend to sell later), from door to door.
Unlike street collections, there is a statutory right of appeal against the refusal to grant a house to house collection permit. In this case, the right of appeal is to the Secretary of State, and the grounds for refusal are set out in the Act itself.
One of the key grounds for refusal would be where the total amount likely to be applied for charitable purpose as a result of the collection, is inadequate in proportion to the value of the proceeds likely to be received. So, for instance, where an applicant intends to claim a fair proportion of the proceeds of the collection for expenses, a permit could be refused.There is no statutory guidance to local authorities on what would be a reasonable amount for expenses.
A copy of the House to House Collections Act 1939 can be viewed at the Council Offices (address above) where you can also obtain an application form and a copy of our standard conditions.
The application should be completed so far as you are able and returned to the Licensing Section (address above)
When returning the completed document, please attach the following items: -
(a) A leaflet about the Charity you are collecting for.
(b) A letter of authority from the Charity, which states that you have been authorised to do the Charity work.
Failure to produce the above items will cause a delay in processing the permit.
You should also allow at least 14 days prior to the dates you request.
