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Licensing - Collecting for Charitable Purposes

Licences run for the period mentioned below and, where applicable, licensees must make sure they have a valid licence and have met any conditions relating to it. The licensing process ensures a level playing field for all, and that bona fide businesses are not adversely affected by unlicensed operators.

If you have any queries on these matters please either telephone 01993 861530 or email: enquiries@westoxon.gov.uk 

Street Collection Licences - Section 67 Charities Act 1992

Introduction:  A Charity Street Collection Licence is required if you wish to make a charitable tin collection on the street in a public or private place.  All collectors must carry a collecting box, remain stationary and not approach members of the public.  A full set of rules and regulations is available

• In the first instance you should telephone 01993 861530 to provisionally book a date
• There is no financial cost to the organiser
• An application form will be sent to you and must be returned at least one month prior to the date of collection
• This licensing authority may in granting the licence, limit the collection to certain parts of the street/place
• After the collection has taken place a financial return form must be returned to the Council within one month
• Licences are valid for one day

House to House Collection Licences - House to House Collections Act 1939

Introduction:  A House to House Collection Licence is required if you wish to collect money or any other goods such as clothes by knocking on the doors of private dwellings and places of business.

In the first instance you should telephone 01993 861530 to check available dates

• There is no financial cost to the organiser
• An application form will be sent to you and must be returned at least one month prior to the dates of collection
• Many of the large well-known charities hold a Home Office Exemption Certificate which means that no licence is required, however notice must be given to the Council as licensing authority
• A licence will not be granted for a period of longer than 12 months
• This licensing authority may refuse a licence, or where granted, may revoke it in circumstances specified in the Act
• After the collection has taken place a financial return form must be returned to the Council within one month

Small Society Lotteries - Gambling Act 2005

Introduction: All Small Society Lotteries must be registered with the Local Authority in which its principle office is situated.  This Registration is needed when your organisation intends to sell printed raffle tickets in advance of the date on which the draw will take place.  The Small Society Lottery registration is wholly or mainly for charitable purposes.   

In order to obtain a Small Society Lottery as defined in the new Gambling Act 2005.   

• In the first instance you should telephone 01993 861530 to request an application form.
• The completed application form should be returned with the £40.00 for initial registration.
• The registration operates on a calendar year basis and after the initial registration an annual fee of £20.00 has to be paid within 2 months prior to the 31 December each year if the registration is to remain in force.

We recommend you to visit the Gambling Commission's website at http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/Client/mediadetail.asp?mediaid=62 to ensure that your organisation qualifies under the new regulations before you complete the application form.

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