Scarborough Borough Council

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Collections generally take place from door to door. Some of the larger well-known charities such as Christian Aid, Help the Aged etc, have a Charity Commission exemption from having to apply for a a licence, but by and large most of the smaller, and particularly local groups and organisations need a permit before they can collect money (or articles which they intend to sell later), from door to door.

 

Wherever possible, two or more organisations shall not be permitted to collect in the same area on the same day. All applications will be dealt with on a first come first served basis.

 

In general, organisations shall not be permitted to hold more than four collections throughout the District or part thereof during one calendar year. In addition licences shall normally be issued for a maximum period of one week.

 

Application Procedure

The Licensing Authority operates a diary system to administer collections; therefore the applicant is encouraged to contact the Licensing Authority before submitting an application in order to check the available dates for any collection. Dates cannot however be reserved.

 

Applications are to be made in writing on the form provided together with the information requested. Where possible, the use of electronic forms will be encouraged.

 

Applications must be received no later than the first day of the month preceding that in which the collection is proposed. In order for the necessary checks to be carried out for the permit to be issued, it is advised that applications are submitted a minimum of 3 months before the proposed date of collection. Any applications received less than the 28 days before the proposed first date of collection will be declined. This requirement may be waivered in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Director of Service Delivery or Licensing Manager.

 

The following information must be submitted with the application:

• Literature about the organisation including the objectives of the charitable cause. Where the collection is for a local cause, full details of that cause or event.
• Copy of published accounts for the last two years;
• Copy of statement of accounts from the last three or four collections carried out (including collections held in other Licensing Authority areas);
• Letter from the charitable organisation authorising you to undertake a collection on their behalf, if you are not an official of the organisation; and
• An agreement or contract details with any registered charity or individual benefiting from this collection.

 

Applications will be considered on receipt and, where appropriate, additional information may be requested from the applicant to assist in determining the application. The failure to provide adequate information in the application form or upon request will result in a refusal or a delay in consideration until any outstanding information has been provided.

 

Applications will be considered by the Licensing Authority on their respective merits and the Licensing Authority will either:

(a)   Issue a permit specifying the requested date and location; or

(b)   Refuse to issue a permit on the statutory grounds.

 

The Licensing Authority can refuse or revoke a licence for various reasons including:

 

• To limit the number of collections in line with this Policy.
• If too high a proportion of the proceeds is likely to be spent on expenses
• If not enough of the proceeds are to be given to the charity or cause
• If incorrect information was provided on the application form
• If additional information was not provided upon request
• If the promoter or any other person involved in the collection has been convicted of certain criminal offences i.e. burglary, blackmail or fraud or any offence committed under the Act.

 

There is a right of appeal to the Minister for the Cabinet Office against the refusal or revocation of a licence within 14 days from the date on which the notice is given of the refusal or revocation.

 

During the collection, the promoter must ensure that collectors are ‘fit and proper’ persons and that they comply with the regulations.

 

As soon as possible after the date of any collection (no later than one month after the collection), the promoter must forward to the Licensing Authority a financial return form showing details of the monies collected.

 

 

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Forms

• House to House Collection Application Pack
• Statement of Income and Expenditure
• House to House Regulations
• Apply to run a charitable collection
• Notify us of the result of a charitable collection

 

More

• Street Collection Permits

Contact

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