House to house collection licence

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

Legislation.gov - House to House Collections Act 1939 provides a summary of the regulation relating to the House to House Collections Act 1939.

Application evaluation process

No provision in the legislation

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted.

If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us.

You can do this online using the contact details below.

Apply online

GOV.UK - apply for a house-to-house collection licence

or 

GOV.UK - Supply a return for a house-to-house collection

Apply by post

You can complete the House to house collection licence application form (PDF) [94KB] and return to us at:

Licensing Services, Environmental Health Department, Town Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 2RL.

Before you apply, please ensure you have read and understand the house to house collections 1947 guidance notes.

House to house collection regulations 1947 - guidance notes

Failed application redress

Please contact licensing@preston.gov.uk or call 01772 906911 in the first instance.

You have the right to appeal to the GOV.UK - Minister for the Cabinet Office.

Appeals must be lodged within 14 days of the refusal.

Licence holder redress

Please contact licensing@preston.gov.uk  or call 01772 906911 in the first instance.

You have the right to appeal to the GOV.UK - 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 of a letter (with proof of delivery).

If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, GOV.UK - Consumer Rights will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK International Consumer Centre.

Other redress

For example about noise, pollution, etc. Also should one licence holder complain about another.

Trade associations

None