House-to-house collection licence for charities
House-to-house collections are regulated by the House to House Collections Act 1939. All house to house collections for a charitable purpose taking place within Warwick District must be licensed by us, and the collectors authorised by the promoter. This also applies if the collection is carried out by visiting public houses.
Some of the larger, well-known charities have an exemption order granted to them by the Home Office, and this saves them from having to apply to every licensing authority for a permit. Most charities that hold exemption orders still notify the licensing authority of their collection dates, which helps to avoid clashes, but inevitably there is overlapping of dates with these types of collections.
The Police also have the power, when an application is referred for comment, to issue a certificate for the collection. This is permitted where the collection is local in character and likely to be completed in a short period of time. In practice, the Police tend not to issue these certificates.
This includes groups such as:
- Small charities
- Local groups, for example, scouts, guides
Collections of clothing and direct debit fundraising also require a licence.
It is essential that the promoter of the collection is fully aware of the requirements of the regulations under the act. In particular, the promoter must obtain badges for collectors, authorise collectors and ensure the necessary returns are made.
If you are collecting in the street, you will require a street collections permit.
If you are selling goods door to door, then you will require a pedlar’s certificate.
A Warwick District Council House to House Policy came into force in March 2022.
There are some significant changes to the current procedure. These include;
- Only one collection to take place in any given area per day.
- Each organisation is permitted a maximum of six collections per year in the district.
- Each collection is to be no longer than 4 weeks.
- A recent basic disclosure certificate (less than six months old) from the Disclosure and Barring Service pertaining to the Director of the collecting company.
Apply for a licence
You must apply at least one month before you wish to start collecting. You must include the names of any people who will be collecting on behalf of the charity or organisation. These are known as the authorised collectors. You must include your own name if you’re planning to be an authorised collector. Please note: Before making the application, you should contact the council to check that the required dates are available.
Application process
The council will consult with the police and may refuse the application if it appears that the applicant does not meet the requirements of the legislation. 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 an unreasonable proportion of the proceeds of the collection for expenses, a permit could be refused. Our policy provides clear guidance on the proportion of proceeds that are acceptable.
If there are no objections, then the licence will be issued. If there is an objection or concern, then the application will be referred to the relevant committee to determine the application.
Please note that tacit consent does not apply in respect of house to house collection permits, as it is in the public interest that the local authority considers and processes all applications. As an indication of the length of time the team require in order to process your application, please see the timescale policy.
Cost and length of a licence
There is no fee for a house to house collection licence.
Licences can be issued for any period up to four weeks. A return is required showing the amount collected and how it was spent within one month of the licence expiring.
Supply a return
Within one month of the expiry of the licence, you must make an appropriate return to demonstrate what has been collected.
Supply a return for a house to house collection
Make representations for or against a licence
If you have a complaint about a collector, then please contact the Licensing team in the first instance. We will try to assist you or direct you to the appropriate organisation.
Additional information on house to house collections can be found on the Charity Commission website.