Street Collection - FAQ

Top

Last revised: 8 January 2009

Question

What is a street collection ?

Answer

The legislation defines a Street Collection as

‘“collection” meaning the collection of money or the sale of articles for the benefit of charitable or other purposes

and the word “collector” shall be construed accordingly;’

More information on street collections

Question

Where and when can I collect ?

Answer

The designated areas for Street Collections in Kennet will be on streets and/or public places in the towns of

(1) Devizes,

(2) Marlborough,

(3) Pewsey,

(4) Tidworth and Ludgershall

(i.e. the main settlements in Kennet).

Your permit will allow you to collect anywhere in the specified town.

The popular areas for collection are:

DEVIZES: The Brittox, Market Place, outside supermarkets

MARLBOROUGH: High Street

Table Top sales normally take place in Devizes (outside Currys) and Marlborough (outside Lloyds Bank)

In general you may apply to collect between 08.00 hrs and 18:00 hrs, any day of the week.

More information on Street Collections

Question

How often can I collect ?

Answer

Each organisation can apply for two permits annually. Please contact the Licensing Office on 01380 724911 or email licensing@kennet.gov.uk for full details.

More information on Street Collections

Question

Do I need to be a registered Charity to do a collection ?

Answer

No, but the Council's Licensing Officer needs to be satisfied that the collection is for alegitimate charitable purpose. ie. playgroup, schools etc

More information on Street Collections

Question

Do I need a permit to collect money for charitable purposes ?

Answer

Yes you do.

There are two permits available :

Street Collection Permit

To comply with The Police, Factories Etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1916 a licence is required if you intend to collect money or sell items for a charitable purpose.

and

House to House Permit

To comply with the House To House Collections Act 1939 no collection may be made, unless the promoter is licenced by the local authority of the area in which you wish to collect, and all collectors are authorised by the promoter (unless the charity holds an Exemption Certificate awarded by the Home Office)

Both permits are free of charge and the application forms can be downloaded below.

Street Collection Form (pdf, 39 KB)    House to House application (pdf, 75 KB)

If you have any queries please contact our Licensing Section by telephoning

01380 724911 or email licensing@kennet.gov.uk

Question

How do I obtain a permit to collect money for charitable purposes ?

Answer

You will need to apply to the Council's Licensing Section.

Please visit our Street Collection pages for more information

Question

Do I need a permit to collect money in the street?

Answer

Yes. You will need to apply for a Street Collection Permit.

Please visit our street collection pages

Question

Do I need a permit to sell cakes in the street ?

Answer

Yes.

The legislation defines a Street Collection as ‘“collection” means a collection of money or a sale of articles for the benefit of charitable or other purposes  and the word “collector” shall be construed accordingly;’

You will also require Public Liability insurance.

More information on Street Collections

Question

Do I need a permit to collect from pubs?

Answer

Yes.

You will require a House to House permit, together with permission from the pub landlord.

More information on House to House collections

Question

What if a shop gives me permission to collect outside their shop ?

Answer

The same applies as if you were collecting in a street.

The legislation refers to a street or public place. If you were inside the shop then a licence/permit would not be required.

More information on Street Collections

Question

Do I need a permit to collect signatures ?

Answer

No, but you will need to contact the Council's Environment & Amenity Services Section at Kennet House on 01380 734665 or email kennetcontactcentre@kennet.gov.uk and advise the local Police.

Question

Do I need a permit to canvass for Direct Debit fundraising ?

Answer

At present a permit is not required, but you are advised to contact the Licensing Office on 01380 724911 or email licensing@kennet.gov.uk to ensure you do not conflict with other collections being carried out.

Question

Can more than one organisation collect on the same day ?

Answer

In general no, but there are exceptions (see our Statement of Policy).

Only one organisation can collect in a town on one day, although that  organisation can collect in the other permitted towns on the same day (if  applied for).

More on Street Collections

Question

Can I sell raffle tickets in the street ?

Answer

In spite of being registered under the Lotteries and Amusement Act 1976, and being in possession of a current licence, no lottery tickets may be sold to the public in a street except from a kiosk or shop premises.

More information on Lotteries

Question

Do I need a permit to have an advertising display ?

Answer

No, providing no money is collected.

However, you will need permission from the Council's Environment & Amenities Section. Please contact them on 01380 734665 or email kennetcontactcentre@kennet.gov.uk

Question

Do I need a permit to collect money from people's houses (door to door) ?

Answer

Yes.

You will need a House to House permit.

More information on House to House collections.

Question

How long will it take to get my permit ?

Answer

Once an application has been received and the necessary Police Checks have been carried out, the permit can be issued.

The application must be received 28 days prior to the date of the collection.

More information