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House and street trading

Charitable street collections

No collection, other than a collection taken at a meeting in the open air, can be made in any street or public place within the South Somerset District, unless a promoter has obtained a permit from the Council. 

This is stated in Section 5 of the Police, Factories etc (Miscellaneous Provision) Act 1916 as amended by the Local Government Act 1972. 

  • The application for a permit needs to be made no later than one month before the date of the proposed collection. 
  • No collection shall be made other than on the day and between the hours stated in the permit.
  • We may, in granting a permit, limit the collection to streets or public places, or such parts thereof, as we think fit. 
  • No person may assist or take part in any collection without the written authority of a promoter. 

Any person authorised under the paragraph above must be able to produce such written authority for inspection when requested to do so by our Officers or any constable. 

  1. 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

    View our complete charitable street collection regulations.  

  2. How do I apply?

    You can apply for a permit online. 

    Alternatively, you can apply by completing our street collections application form. 

    There is no fee for this permit. 

  3. 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.

  4. 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 2HT

    There 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.

  5. 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. 

  6. Trade Associations

    Charities Commission

Thank you. You response is appreciated.

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