Anyone who wishes to collect for a "charitable purpose" in a public place will need to apply to the Council for a permit.  An application form is downloadable at the bottom of this page.

There have been differing interpretations of "public place" in the past, but generally a public place is one to which the public has access as a right and not as of fact.  If someone wanted to make a collection in the entrance of a shop they would require a permit, but if they collected inside the shop or public house they would not require a permit.

However, if they went from shop-to-shop or pub-to-pub they would require a house-to-house collection permit.  There are model regulations relating to this permit, and the Council also requires a financial return showing what the collection made and what went to charity within a month of the collection.

A diary booking system is in operation so we can try to ensure two different organisations are not collecting on the same day in the same area.

You are able to print off the application form below and if you require any further information please contact the Licensing Department.

The Environmental Health Department
South Hams District Council
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 5NE

Tel: 01803 861234

e-mail licensing@southhams.gov.uk

Street Collection application form