House-to-house collections

To carry out House to House Collection in Erewash you will need to apply for a House to House Collection permit from the Council's licensing department.

Do I need a permit?

A permit is required if you want undertake charitable collections of money or articles from houses or businesses (including factories, offices and public houses) in Erewash for the benefit of a charity or similar purpose.

Collections are regulated by the House to House Collections Act 1939 and part of the proceeds of the collection must go to a charity or similar cause.

For help with your application we advise that you download the Guidance notes in Related Documents below.

Important: There are certain regulations attached to this permit. Please ensure you read and meet these requirements as it could affect your application. The regulations are available to download in Related Documents below.

These services do not currently incur a fee. The timeframe to process applications is 5 working days.

Exemptions to the requirement for a House to House permit

If the collection is part of a national collection scheme and there is an exemption from the Secretary of State in place.
If you are carrying out a charitable collection, but only on a street. In this case you will need to apply for a Street Collection permit from the Council.
If you are selling goods or items door to door. In this case you would require a pedlar's licence from the police. However you should not suggest that the proceeds of any sales are going to charity.

What happens after the collection?

You will need to submit a form of income and expenditure to tell us how much money was raised, and the amounts used for expenses such as printing, stationery, collecting boxes etc.

This returns form is commonly known as a 'form of statement' and must normally be sent back to the licensing department within one month of your collection.

How do I apply?

You can submit your application form online by using the Government's Business Link website. By clicking on the links below you will be directed to their site. You can also let us know the results of the collection by submitting a returns form online.

Alternatively you can complete and return the application form to us. The application form and form of statement are available to download in Related Documents below.

Eligibility Criteria

All applications must be in the form prescribed by the local authority. All collectors must be over the age of 16.

You must be a fit and proper person.

Regulation Summary

House to House Collections are regulated by the House to House Collections Act 1939 (opens in a new window).

Application Evaluation Process

No provision in the legislation

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period

Apply online

Failed Application Redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance. You have the right to appeal to the Minister for the Cabinet Office. Appeals must be lodged within 14 days of the refusal.

Licence Holder Redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance. You have the right to appeal to the 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 a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct (opens in a new window) will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (opens in a new window).

Contact us

Licensing Department
Erewash Borough Council
Civic Centre
Derby Road
Long Eaton
NG10 1HU
Tel 0845 907 2244

Email: licensing@erewash.gov.uk