Licence summary
To carry out street collections for charitable purposes in the South Hams area, you will need a licence from South Hams District Council.

Exemptions:
None

Eligibility criteria
If you wish to collect for a charitable purpose - i.e. for any charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purpose - in a street or public place, you will need to apply to the Council for a permit.

The definition of 'street' is wide and includes any highway, public bridge, road, lane, footway, square, court, alley or passage.

You must be a 'fit and proper' person.

There is no fee payable for a street collection permit. However, you must comply with certain regulations (please contact the Licensing Team for further information).

Regulation summary
A summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence - please contact the Licensing Team for further advice.

Application evaluation process
We assess all applications to ensure that collections are being made legitimately for a bona-fide good cause.

We operate a diary booking system for collections and we strongly recommend that you contact the Customer Service Team before submitting an application to check that the requested date(s) are available.

You must give as least 28 days' notice of any collection. Applications which do not give the required period of notice will be rejected.

Within one month of the date of any collection the applicant must submit to the Council a financial return showing how much money was collected, any expenses and what happened to the remainder. The financial return has to be signed by the applicant and certified by an accountant (or other independent responsible person who has previously been accepted by the Council).

Target completion time
We will aim to issue your licence within 21 working days of receipt of a valid application

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
Apply for a street collection permit
Supply a return for a street collection

Forms to download, print and post

Street Collection application form

Street Collection Regulations

Contact details
Address:
Customer Services Department
South Hams District Council
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 5NE
Tel: 01803 861234
e-mail: customer.services@southhams.gov.uk

Failed application redress
Please contact South Hams District Council in the first instance.

You have the right of the appeal to the Minister for the Cabinet Office. Appeals must be lodged within 14 days of the refusal.

Licence holder redress
Please contact South Hams District Council in the first instance.

You have the right of the appeal to the Minister for the Cabinet Office. Appeals must be lodged within 14 days of the refusal

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 of 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.