Anyone wishing to make or promote a house-to-house collection for a charitable purpose must first obtain a licence from the Council.  An application form is downloadable below.

"Charitable purpose" means any charitable, benevolent, or philanthropic purpose, whether or not the purpose is charitable within the meaning of any rule of law.

Some large organisations are exempt from having to apply to local licensing authorities, but these organisations must still abide by the regulations.  Applicants need to be "fit and proper persons" and regulations prescribe how collections should be made in respect of authorised collectors, (e.g. the use of badges and boxes).  Promoters must also provide accounts to the licensing authority within one month of the collection.  A diary booking system tries to ensure that different organisations are not collecting at the same time, but this is not always achievable.

Organisations and individuals wishing to raise money for charities by making collections or selling raffle or lottery tickets will need to obtain licences.

House-to-House Collection application form