Street collections

You need a permit if you want to money or sell items for charity in a street or public place.

Permits help manage the number of collectors in one area on the same day.

Street collection permits are free.

Before you apply

You must:

• apply at least 28 days before your planned collection
• choose a date that is not already booked
• make sure all money collected goes to a charity, except for minor expenses

Only one street collection can take place in a town at the same time.

Your permit must not be used for personal gain.

Apply for a street collection permit

To apply you will need to:

• complete the application form
• provide any supporting information

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

Apply for a Carlisle permit

Before you apply, contact the City Centre Management Team to check if your preferred date is available.

Telephone: 01228 817 512

Email: [email protected]

If your chosen date is already booked, we will offer you an alternative.

If a date is available, you will need to complete an application form.

Apply for a charitable street collection licence on GOV.UK

The City Centre Management Team will issue your permit.

After you apply

We will review your application.

A permit may be refused or revoked if:

• the application is incomplete or inaccurate
• not enough of the money collected will go to charity
• there are concerns about how the collection will be managed
• the organiser has not provided information we have asked for
• an offence under the Vagrancy Act 1824 has been committed or could be committed
• the applicant is not suitable to hold a licence

After your collection

You must send a statement of returns within one month of your collection.

This 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

Street collection regulations apply to all collections. 

We will send you the conditions when we issue your permit.

Face-to-face fundraising

Face-to-face fundraising means asking people to sign up for regular donations to charity, usually by direct debit or standing order. Fundraisers are not allowed to collect cash.

These fundraisers are sometimes called ‘chuggers’.

Charitable collections by direct debit are managed by the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA).

To arrange a direct debit collection or make a complaint, call the PFRA.

Telephone: 0207 401 8452