House to house collections

Licence summary

Persons wishing to undertake charitable house to house collections for money and/or goods in Darlington must apply to Darlington Borough Council for a House to House Collection Permit. These collections generally take place from door to door or from one public house to another.  

Where collections are being held for a charitable purpose throughout the whole of England or a substantial part of it, the Secretary of State may grant an exemption, which will exempt a promoter from having to apply to numerous local authorities for permission to hold a house to house collection. 

This tends to be for national charities such as the RSPCA or NSPCC. Whilst these charities are not required to apply locally they are required to advise us in writing of the existence of their exemption together with the date and location of collection.  

Eligibility criteria

House to House collections are free and anyone can apply providing they are over 16 years of age.

Applications must be in the form prescribed by Darlington Borough Council (see form below) and should be made at least 28 days in advance of the proposed collection.

Applications should be accompanied by the following:

  • Particulars of any contracts with any charity which is to benefit from this collection   
  • List of trustees   
  • Previous years accounts   
  • Literature on organisation(s) which will benefit   
  • Permission from the charity the collection is to benefit

Regulation summary

House to House Collections Act 1939 [external link]

Application evaluation process

A check will be made as to the availability of the proposed collection dates and providing the above criteria is met a permit will be granted.

Fees

There are no fees associated with this licence.

Will tacit consent apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from us within 28 days

How to apply

We aim to acknowledge your application within three working days. If you have applied online we will acknowledge your application via email.

You have the option of applying online or by downloading an application form.

Online application

Apply for a House to House Collections Licence [external link]

Download an application form

If you would prefer to download an application form, please download the document below and return it to us using the contact details on the form.

House to House collection application form [word document]

Failed application redress

Please contact us in the first instance using the contact details below.

You have the right to appeal to the Minister for the Cabinet Office. Appeals must be lodged within 14 days of the refusal.

Licence holder redress

Please contact us in the first instance using the contact details below.

You have the right to appeal to the Minister for the Cabinet Office. Appeals must be lodged within 14 days of the decision.

Consumer complaint

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, Advice Guide [external link] will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre [external link].

Further information