House to House Collections

Organisations that are planning to hold a collection of money (or articles for sale or use) by means of visits from house to house (including business premises) where the proceeds are for charitable purposes.

Applications for house to house collections must be made at least four weeks before the proposed date of the collection.

There is no charge for a House to house collection permit. However, once a permit has been issued, you will need to apply to HM Stationery Office for copies of the prescribed Certificate of Authority and prescribed Badges (which you will need to supply to all your collectors).

There are no restrictions on the allocation of dates for house to house collections, nor on the length of the collection (provided it is less than one calendar year). Many collections are carried out by regional or national charitable organisations who often book their collections well in advance, under the authority of a Home Office exemption.

After the collection has been held, a return form, signed by an accountant, detailing the amount collected and any expenses incurred, needs to be submitted to the Council within one month. The relevant return form will be sent when your permit is issued.

Street Collections

Organisations that are planning to hold a collection of money, or a sale of articles for charitable purposes should apply to the Licensing Section for a Street Collection Permit.

Applications for street collections should be made at least one month before the proposed date of the collection (and not more than one year in advance). Applications for a collection in the following year are only accepted from September of the current year. 

There is no charge for a street collection permit.

The policy of the Council is not to permit more than one organisation to collect in the same area on the same date, and only one date within a six month period. 

After the collection has been held, a return form, signed by an accountant, detailing the amount collected and any expenses incurred, needs to be submitted to the Council within one month. The relevant return form will be sent when your permit is issued. 

Further Information

For further information contact: Licensing, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford, Kent TN23 1PL

Telephone: 01233 330578 or 01233 330723

Email licensing

Fax: 01233 330469