House to house collections licence

This information complies with the new EU Services Directive that came into effect on 28 December 2009. This new directive aims to make it easier for businesses to set up or offer their services anywhere in the EU and apply and pay on-line for a licence. The directive covers a wide variety businesses including accountants, builders, food services, and leisure services.

Other services such as education, health, transport, planning, gambling, taxis and social services do not fall within the scope of the directive.

If you wish to download a form then click on the link for the application form and return the completed form to Licensing, The Guildhall, St Giles Square, Northampton NN1 1DE. If you have any queries please email [email protected]

Licence summary	To carry out house-to-house collections for charitable purposes in England and Wales you need a licence from the local authority.
Eligibility Criteria	Applications must be in the form prescribed by the local authority. You must be a fit and proper person.
Regulation Summary	A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
Application Evaluation Process	No provision in the legislation
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 the local authority by the end of the target completion period. An application period of 28 calendar days is required.
Apply online	Apply to run a charitable collection Notify us of the result of a charitable collection
Failed Application Redress	Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance. 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 your Local Authority in the first instance. 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, Citizens Advice Bureau will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other Redress	E.g. about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another.
Trade Associations	None