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Environmental Health
Last updated: 14/11/2011
Expires: 8/3/2012
It is illegal in this country to hold a Street Collection to collect money or sell articles for the benefit of charitable or other purposes without obtaining a Street Collection Licence from the Council if that collection is to be held 'in a street or public place'. A 'public place' is a 'place where the public has access'.
Stafford Borough Council regard the collection of direct debit details as "collecting money" for the purpose of the legislation covering street collections and as such activities will require a permit before they can take place.
Street Collections are only permitted in certain areas of Stafford, Eccleshall and Stone within Stafford Borough. Street Collections must be carried out on a Saturday.
To collect money or sell articles for the benefit of charitable or other purposes in England or Wales, you require a street collection licence from your local council.
Street Collections are only permitted in certain areas of Stafford, Eccleshall and Stone within Stafford Borough. Street Collections must be carried out on a Saturday.
It is often assumed that collections held in shop doorways or car parks do not need a Street Collection Licence because they are being held on 'privately owned land'. This is not true, as the legislation does not mention the ownership of the land or treat collections on 'privately owned land' as exempt from the licensing regulations. A shop doorway or carpark, when that shop is open for trading, is a 'public place' because the public has access at that time. No other licence would be valid. A Pedlars Licence, issued by the Police cannot be used for this purpose. Only Local Authorities issue Street Collection Licences under Section 5 of the Police, Factories, etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1916, as amended by the Local Government Act 1972 and Schedule 29 of that Act.
There is no cost for the issuing of consent but there are rules to be followed in applying. Street Collections are usually made by Charities. Collections usually take place in a town centre on busy shopping days. Money is collected in tins. There are regulations which govern this type of collection. Consents are restricted to enable charities to raise money without their collections clashing with those of other charities.
The purpose of the legal requirement to obtain consent is to ensure collectors are properly authorised and that money is collected in a secure way and the total proceeds collected are properly accounted for.
Stafford Borough Council policy on Street Collections - Street Collection Policy
Conditions apply to Street Collections in Stafford Street Collection Conditions
Street Collections are only permitted in certain areas of Stafford, Eccleshall and Stone within Stafford Borough. Street Collections must be carried out on a Saturday.
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period
Apply to run a charitable collection
Notify us of the result of a charitable collection
Please contact the Licensing Section on 01785 619402 in the first instance.
Please contact the Licensing Section on 01785 619402 in the first instance.
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 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.
E.g. about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another. Please contact the Licensing Section on 01785 619402 in the first instance.
FAQ
Do I need a licence to collect on a car park?
It is illegal in this country to hold a Street Collection to collect money or sell articles for the benefit of charitable or other purposes without obtaining a Street Collection Licence from the Council if that collection is to be held 'in a street or public place'. A 'public place' is a 'place where the public has access'. TOP
Do I need a licence to collect on a carpark?
Yes, a carpark, when it is open is a 'public place' because the public has access at that time. TOP
There is no cost for the issuing of consent but there are rules to be followed in applying. Street Collections are usually made by Charities. Collections usually take place in a town centre on busy shopping days. Money is collected in tins. There are regulations, which govern this type of collection. Consents are restricted to enable charities to raise money without their collections clashing with those of other charities. TOP
