Please complete the online application form via the .Gov website. Alternatively, download the application form from this webpage and return to licensing@winchester.gov.uk

• You must apply 20 working days before you plan to start collecting.
• You must include the names of any people who will be collecting on behalf of the charity or organisation. These are known as the authorised collectors. You must include your own name if you’re planning to be an authorised collector.

There is no cost for the issuing of consent but there are rules to be followed in applying. Please see the conditions on the right-hand side for more information.

• A collector's certificate and badge must be obtained from The Stationary Office. Applications to apply for these are issued once your application has been granted.
• Please note that if you are an organisation or company collecting on behalf of a charity, you must provide a letter on headed paper from the charity authorising you to collect money/goods on their behalf. 

Unlike street collections, there is a statutory right of appeal against the refusal to grant a house to house collection permit. In this case, the right of appeal is to the Secretary of State, and the grounds for refusal are set out in the House-to-House Collection Act itself.

One of the key grounds for refusal would be where the total amount likely to be applied for charitable purpose, as a result of the collection, is inadequate in proportion to the value of the proceeds likely to be received. So, for instance, where an applicant intends to claim a fair proportion of the proceeds of the collection for expenses, a permit could be refused.There is no statutory guidance to local authorities on what would be a reasonable amount for expenses.

There are several areas within the Winchester City Council district that have been designated as a No Cold Calling Zone. This means that the occupants living in the designated area do not accept people who are calling uninvited to their homes. No cold calling zones are indicated by local street signage or by stickers on individual houses.

If you are collecting near one of these zones please ensure your collectors respect the rights of local residents.

A full list of No Cold Calling Zones can be viewed on Hampshire County Council's Trading Standards webpage.

Within one month after the date of any collection the person to whom the permit has been granted shall forward to the Winchester City Council a completed return found on the right-hand side of this page. 

Where a financial return is not received within one month, no further permits shall be granted until such time as financial return is up to date. Where an applicant fails to comply with the regulations in respect of financial returns on two occasions, the Licensing Authority reserves the right to refuse any subsequent request for a permit by that applicant.

A copy of the House to House Collections Act 1939 can be viewed at the City Offices where you can also obtain an application form and a copy of our standard conditions.

In the UK, there are a number of bodies involved with regulating charities and charitable collections.

Your local Council - (Winchester City Council). The council's primary role is to ensure collections are genuine, well-organised, and do not cause undue nuisance or annoyance to the public. 

The Fundraising Regulator is an independent regulator for fundraising in the UK. The council expects all organisations conducting collections within the districts to adhere to the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice.

The Charity Commission for England & Wales regulates charities in England and Wales. It maintains the public register of charities, oversees compliance with charity law, and investigates charities for mismanagement or abuse. 

The Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA) and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIF) are membership organisations for charities. Their remit includes certain types working with groups fundraising by means not covered by permits or licences, such as direct debit collectors.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is the UK's independent regulator that makes sure advertisements across all media are legal, decent, honest, and truthful. It investigates complaints, monitors advertisements proactively, and works to protect the public from misleading, harmful, or offensive marketing.

The Charity Commission and the Fundraising Regulator have published joint guidance to help people who want to raise funds for charity.

You are never obligated to donate. If you feel uncomfortable or pressured, it’s okay to say no. Report suspicious behaviour to your local council or the police non-emergency line. If in doubt, ask the collector for more information, and donate directly at a time that suits you.

Legitimate collectors must carry official ID and be able to show a permit from the local council if collecting door-to-door (unless the charity is holder of a National Exemption Order). If unsure, contact us to confirm if the collection is authorised.

• Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information.
• Look out for the Fundraising Badge – the logo that says ‘registered with Fundraising Regulator’ – and check the Fundraising Regulator’s Directory of organisations which have committed to fundraise in line with the Code of Fundraising Practice.
• Check the charity’s name and registration number on the Charity Register at gov.uk/checkcharity – most charities with an annual income of £5,000 or more must be registered
• Prefer secure methods like online donations via the charity’s official website or direct debit.
• Avoid giving cash unless you're confident in the collector’s legitimacy.
• If you donate, ask for a receipt or confirmation. This helps with Gift Aid claims and ensures transparency.
• If donating items like clothes or books, ensure the collector is working with a registered charity.

The FPS Fundraising Preference Service is free and enables you to manage direct marketing communications by addressed mail, emails, text messages or phone calls from registered charities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.