Street Collections - what are the rules?

[washathi]

Our Scout Group is raising money for a Cancer Charity. A couple of boys want to collect from their neighbours in their street. Are there any rules on this? They'll be dressed in uniform and a parent will keep an eye on them. I can't see a problem - but thought I better check!

[wealdbrook]

A quick google gives this site which looks like it might give guidance or point you in the right direction for the regulations....

http://www.raisingfunding.co.uk/stre...gulations.html

[Neil Williams]

You generally need a street collection licence, which is available from your local Council, I believe. Probably more trouble than it is worth for the small number of houses you're going to "hit".

Neil

[ianw]

And scoutbase is still your friend....

http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/...s/fs190020.pdf

[washathi]

Thanks everybody - wow, good thing we didn't just go ahead and do it!

[JohnR]

Last year we took the Pack carol singing to collect for Help for Heroes. I read the Factsheet, then downloaded the application for a street collection licence from the local authority website. From the application form it didn't sound like I needed a licence so I contacted the licencing department. Eventually I got passed up to the very nice head of department who told me we didn't need one, and told me that "if any Scrooge said I did I should refer them to her!"

So, ask your local authority licencing department if you need a licence for what it is you intend to do. Unless what you're doing is very big the answer is likely to be 'no'.

[Hatman]

We do a street collection every year. We obtain a license from the council. The rules are strict and one of them is that young people cannot take part. However, it does bring in some money.

Nigel

[ianjames]

I'm not sure about the YP taking part, its up to individual councils how they word the licences. We have had them in the past and the stipulation is that the young people cannot collect which isn't the same as not take part.

[Teacosy]

I know from voluntary work with a major children's charity that you can't actually ask people to donate, or shake your bucket - apparently it's too 'intimidating'! You need bucket seals as well...