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Charity collections

Street collections

If you want to collect money for the benefit of charitable or similar purposes you'll need a permit from us.

Collections can take place in the city centre and other shopping areas throughout the city (Friday and Saturday only unless special circumstances exist). The Barbican and Hoe are excluded as collection areas.

The location and number of other collections taking place on the specified date will be taken into consideration when issuing the permit.

Please email licensing@plymouth.gov.uk to check availability of dates before applying.

We'll check the suitability of the applicant and will check that the money collected goes to the stated purpose of the collection. Read the Street Collection regulations for more details.

Cost

There is no fee.

House-to-house collections

If you want to carry out house-to-house or pub-to-pub collections for charitable purposes you'll need a licence from us.

We'll check the suitability of the applicant and will check that the money collected goes to the stated purpose of the collection. Read the House to house regulations for more details.

Cost

There is no fee.

Apply

Documents are below for guidance on how to use our online system. If you have held a permit or licence with us previously you will need to register as an existing client. If you are a new client please follow the new client guidance.

Existing clients guidance

New clients guidance

How to supply a return

Once you have carried out the street collection or House to House Collection you will need to give us a return giving an account of the monies raised. 

You will need to do this within 28 days of the collection.

We will need to know:

  • the place of collection
  • the proceeds of collection
  • expenses and application of proceeds

An accountant will need to give a certificate to confirm that the return is a true account of the collection.

Payments

There is no cost for giving the return.

Submit returns

You can give your return online. Copies of the returns forms are below.

Street collection form