House to house collections licence
A permit is required to undertake a 'house to house' collection,
under the
House to House Collections Act 1939.
Licence summary
Where as street collection permits are normally issued to cover
a period of one or two days, a house to house collection permit can
be granted for any period up to one year. With regard to vetting
and checking to ascertain whether the organisation applying is
genuine or not, the same procedures apply as for street
collections.
Eligibility criteria
You must be a fit and proper person. As with street
collection permits there is a requirement for the promoter of the
collection to make a return following the collection.
Regulation summary
Application evaluation process
No provision in the legislation.
Will tacit consent apply
No. It is in the public interest that the we must process your
application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from
us within a reasonable period, please
contact us using the contact details provided.
Apply for a licence
Application for a house-to-house collection
licence (45kb pdf) .
Failed application redress
Unlike street collections, there is a statutory right of appeal
against the refusal to grant a house to house collection permit. In
this case, the right of appeal is to the Secretary of State, and
the grounds for refusal are set out in the Act itself.
Appeals must be lodged within 14 days of refusal but contact us
(Licensing Service) in the first instance.
One of the key grounds for refusal would be where the total
amount likely to be applied for charitable purpose as a result of
the collection, is inadequate in proportion to the value of the
proceeds likely to be received. So, for instance, where an
applicant intends to claim a fair proportion of the proceeds of the
collection for expenses, a permit could be refused. There is no
statutory guidance to local authorities on what would be a
reasonable amount for expenses.
Licence holder redress
You have a right to appeal to the MInister for the Cabinet
Office within 14 days of the decision.
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.
Charitable commission
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 permit, 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.
Contact
Licensing Unit
Number One Riverside
Smith Street
Rochdale
OL16 1XU
Tel: 01706 924157
Email: licensing.reg@rochdale.gov.uk
Licensing Counter Opening – Appointments Only
Monday 9am – 11.30am & 2pm – 4.30pm
Tuesday CLOSED & 2pm – 4.30pm
Wednesday 9am – 11.30am & 2pm – 4.30pm
Thursday 9am – 11.30am & 2pm – 4.30pm
Friday 9am – 11.30am & 2pm – 4.30pm
Please contact 01706 924114 to arrange an appointment
.
