Charitable street collections
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Eligibility criteria
- No collections shall be made in a manner likely to inconvenience or annoy any person
- Whilst collecting, a collector shall remain stationary and one or two collectors together shall not be at least 25 metres away from another collector
- No promoter shall permit a person under the age of 16 to act as a collector
- Every collector shall carry a collecting box
Within one month after the date of a collection, the person which has been granted a permit shall send to us:
- A complete form showing the amount received and the expenses and payments incurred in connection with such a collection and certified by that person.
- A list of collectors
- A list of the amounts contained in each collecting box
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How do I apply?
Apply by completing our street collections application form.
Please note that the regulations require that applications are submitted to Councils at least one month PRIOR to submission of applications.
If there are special reasons why the application was not submitted within this period (these need to be supplied with the application), we MAY accept the application at our discretion, however the form AND written authority (from the charity on whose behalf you propose to collect) MUST be submitted at least 10 working days PRIOR to the date of the proposed collection. Special Reasons would include a natural disaster that has just occurred.
There is no fee for this permit.
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Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that we process your application before it can be granted.
Please allow a minimum of 31 days for your application to be processed.
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What happens next?
We will consider:
- public inconvenience
- other collections taking place
- the amount of money to be given to charity against the likely proceeds of the collection
- any convictions of the organiser
If your application has not been granted, contact our Licensing Specialists online, by phone: 01935 462462 or by post:
Licensing Service
South Somerset District Council
The Council Offices
Brympton Way
Yeovil
Somerset
BA20 2HTThere is no statutory right of appeal against the refusal of a street collection permit. The only way the decision could be challenged is by an application to the High Court for a review of the decision.
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Consumer complaint and other redress
Consumer Complaints
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 and you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK, contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other Redress
If you find another organisation collecting in a street for which you have been given a permit, contact our Licensing Team online or by phone 01935 462462.
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Trade Associations