House to house collections

You need a permit to collect money or items door to door for charity. Collections must not be for personal gain.

Some large charities have a Home Office Exemption Order and do not need a permit. However, you must still let us know about the dates you will be collecting.

If you do not have an exemption, you must apply for a permit before collecting.

House to house collection permits are free of charge.

Who needs a permit

You need a permit if you plan to collect:

• money from house to house
• items such as clothes, shoes or bric-a-brac
• donations in shops, pubs or similar premises

Before you apply

Make sure you:

• apply at least 28 days before your planned collection
• choose dates and areas that do not clash with other local collections
• ensure collectors carry photo ID and a certificate of authority while collecting
• plan how you will count and record the money or items collected

Apply for a house to house collection permit

To apply, you will need to:

• complete the application form
• provide any supporting documents (for example, a letter from the charity authorising the collection)

We will tell you what documents you need when you apply.

Apply for a house to house collection permit on GOV.UK (Carlisle City Council)

After you apply

We will review your application.

A permit can:

• take up to one month to issue
• last for up to 1 year

Permits are often issued on a weekly basis and there is no restriction on the number of collections taking place at any one time.

We may refuse or revoke a permit if:

• the application is incomplete or inaccurate
• not enough of the proceeds will go to the charity
• there are concerns about how the collection will be managed
• requested information is not provided

After your collection

You must send a statement of returns within 1 month of your collection. It must show:

• the amount collected
• any expenses
• the amount given to the charity

If you do not send a statement of returns, you may not be allowed to apply again.

Regulations

House to house collections must follow:

• the House to House Collections Act 1939
• the House to House Collections Regulations 1947
• the Code of Fundraising Practice (Fundraising Regulator)

House to House Regulations must be adhered to and will be enclosed with your permit.