If you wish to collect money or property (for example clothes and bric-a-brac) for charity from houses, pubs or shops you need a licence from the Council. Licences can be granted for the whole or part of the borough.
- The council issued licence must be carried on the person at all times during the collection. No collection can take place until i.d. badges have been issued (available from The Stationery Office on production of the licence). These must also be worn at all times
- Sealed collection tins must be used
- No person under the age of 16 years shall act or be authorised to act as a collector of money
- Collections should not be taken up after the hours of darkness so as not to disturb elderly residents. No collector shall importune any person to the annoyance of such person or remain in/at the door of any house if requested to leave by the occupant
Some large charitable organisations hold a National Exemption Order which exempts them from the requirement to apply to each authority individually. The licensing service keeps a list of house to house collection licences issued by Blackpool Council.
Apply for a house to house collection licence
Before applying please read the house to house collection policy . Each application is dealt with on its own individual merits.
Or you can download and complete the application form [PDF 92KB] and submit by hand/post.
There is no charge for a house to house collection licence although there is a small charge for the identity badge from The Stationery Office. Applications should include a letter from the benefiting charity authorising you to collect on their behalf (if you are not an official of the charity).
We aim to process your application within 10 working days however you must submit your application at least 1 month prior to the date of the collection, though we suggest applying 3 months in advance to allow time to obtain identity badges from The Stationery Office.
After the collection you must submit a form of account detailing the amount raised and any expenses deducted, this can also be submitted online.
Tacit consent
Tacit consent applies. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from us by the end of the target completion period.
Failed application redress/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 refusal.
Complaints
Complaints should be directed to Blackpool Council Licensing Service
Contact
The licensing service is available to contact by telephone between 12noon 4.00pm Monday to Friday or visit in person by appointment only at the licensing desk at Blackpool Council's Customer First Centre on Corporation Street .