Charity Collections
Street collections
To carry out a Street Collection you must first obtain a permit from Liverpool City Council.
Street Collections are a useful way of raising money for charity. Charitable collections must be in streets or public places within the controlled district of Liverpool. Funds can be raised for many things provided the purpose is charitable and there is no financial gain to be made by the person conducting the collection. Street collection permits are free and anyone with a charitable request can apply providing they are over 16 years of age.
Some examples of street collection requests are:
- dance troupes/scouts/clubs and many other recreational activities
- awareness for certain medical conditions/suffering of the sick
- animal welfare
- international disaster appeals e.g. Tsunami
- seasonal collections e.g. salvation army
The City Council has a policy of only permitting one charity to carry out a street collection in any one ward of the city on any day. Applicants should contact the Licensing Unit to check availability of dates by contacting the Licensing Unit before filling out the application form.![(PDF [83.4Kb] opens in new window)](/images/PDF.gif)
It is always advisable to give the local authority at least 28 days prior to the date of the collection to process your application.
Street Collection Online Application Form
From 28th December 2009, to comply with the European Union Services Directive, an application to carry out a street collection may be made electronically by submitting an online application form. The application will not receive tacit consent.
Rules and regulations for street collections are provided to assist you. Rules and Regulations notes.
Guidance Notes - Charitable Collections can be found here. If you need to submit your returns use this statement of returns form and send to us at the address below.
Who's collecting this week?
See who is collecting in and around the city. View here to see the list of all charities who have applied for a charitable permit and been granted a licence by Liverpool City Council Licensing Unit. If you have any concerns regarding charitable collections in your area email us at Licensing
House to House Collections
Important Information - Is the collection legal?
Sometimes, house to house collections take place without the Council's permission. Here are some useful tips to help you decide if the collection is lawful. The Licensing Unit will be happy to confirm with you that the relevant permit is in place. You can contact us on 0151 233 3015.
House to House collection is a method of a charitable collection when the person collects door to door. House to House collections includes visits going from house to house, but also visits to public houses, offices and factories to appeal for money, other property (for example clothes) or to sell things on the basis that part of the proceeds will go to a charity. A house to house licence must not provide financial gain for any individual and the whole proceeds of collection with exception of minor expenses must be donated to the charity.
House to House collections are free and anyone can apply with a charitable request providing they are over 16 years of age.
House to House Online Application Form
From 28th December 2009, to comply with the European Union Services Directive, an application to carry out a house to house collection may be made electronically by submitting an online application form. The application will not receive tacit consent.
Home Office Exemption Orders
The Minister for the Cabinet Office is responsible for the national exemption order scheme for house-to-house collections under the current law. National exemption orders are generally available to organisations which have obtained house to house collection licenses in at least 70-100 local authority licensing areas for the two preceding years. There are currently 43 national exemption order holders. We have provided a list for your information
Applicants should download and complete the house to house collection form.
Rules and regulations for house to house collections are provided to assist you.
Guidance notes can be for charitable collections can be found here. Guidance notes Charitable Collections
It important to give 28 days notice prior to the date of the collection to the local authority for administration purposes. send your forms to
Licensing Unit
Room 219
Municipal Buildings
Dale Street
Liverpool
L2 2DH
contact us:
Licensing@liverpool.gov.uk
Tel: 0151 233 3015
Fax: 0151 225 3493