House to house collections

A Permit is required to undertake a 'house to house' collection, under the House to House Collections Act 1939.

The Council will vet the suitability of the applicant and will check that the money and/or goods collected go to the stated purpose of the collection.
Collections generally take place from door to door including public houses and shops.
Some of the larger well-known charities such as Christian Aid, Help the Aged etc, have a Home Office exemption from having to apply for a permit, but most of the smaller local groups and organisations need a permit before they can collect money (or articles which they intend to sell or give away).

Illegal collections

The following "Clothing Collections" are being made by organisations that do not have a Home Office exemption or a Permit issued by the Council.

• SHC Collections Ltd
• ANYA Ltd on behalf of the STOP INDIFFERENCE Project of the Lithuanian Orphan Fellowship
• Second Chance
• SOS Clothes for the Tree of Hope Charity

Making an application

If you would like to apply for a permit please download and complete the House to House Collection Application Form or, alternatively, you can make an electronic application through the BusinessLink site (This link will open in a new window).

Please contact us before submitting your application so that we can check the availability of your preferred date.

In order to ensure you have enough time to organise the Prescribed Certificate of Authority and Prescribed Badges it is recommended that the application is made at least two months before the date of the proposed collection.

House to House Collection Regulations

Making a return

The following forms are available dependant upon which type of collection you are making:

• Proceeds of collection of money.
• Proceeds of collection of property sold or collected for sale.
• Proceeds of collection of property (other than money) given away, used or collected for giving away.

To make an electronic return via the BusinessLink portal, click here. (This link will open in a new window)

Applications received

Direct debit canvassers

At present, charities canvassing direct debits, House to House, do not require permission from the Council. Charities are encouraged to ensure that they do not overlap with other charities that have already applied for and received permission from the Council and with charities that also intend to canvass direct debits in the District. The Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (This link will open in a new window) aims to ensure that all their fully accredited members adhere to the Institute of Fundraising Code of Practice, and , where necessary, take action if it is breached in any way.

The Council has been informed that the following organisation(s) will be operating in the District.

For further information please contact the Licensing Section on 01883 732897 or e-mail licensing@tandridge.gov.uk

Or write to us at:
Tandridge District Council
8 Station Road East
Oxted RH8 0BT

Maps and directions to our offices.

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