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.