Street collections

You need to apply to us for this licence if you want to collect money or sell articles for charitable or other purposes.

The term ‘street’ includes any bridge, court, highway, land, footway, passage or alley, road or square (whether a thoroughfare or not).

You must

• apply one month before the start date of your collection
• supply a return after your collection

If you have not heard from us within 21 days you will be able to carry on as though your application has been granted.

There is no application fee.

We limit the number of collections in any particular area and may reject an application if another organisation has already been granted permission to carry out a collection. If your application is refused you can contact us to discuss your case.

Owner permission

If you want to collect money inside a building, such as a shopping centre, then you don't need a permit. You will need to get permission from the owner of the property.

Letters of authority

If you work or volunteer for a charity, you'll need a letter of authority from a member of your charity such as the secretary or chairperson. 

If you want to collect for a charity that you don't belong to, then you should contact them first and ask for a letter of authority.

Financial statements

We require you to return a financial statement within 28 days of the collection taking place. 

A financial statement includes 

• details such as costs of the collection and;
• how much money was collected.