Charitable collections

House-to-house collections

House-to-house collections are regulated by the House to House Collections Act 1939. All house-to-house collections for a charitable purpose must be licensed by us, and the collectors authorised by the promoter.

We accept written applications for house-to-house collections in Oxford city centre and surrounding areas. There is no cost involved. We cannot grant a licence for a period longer than 12 months and may refuse a licence, or where granted, might revoke it, in circumstances specified in the Act.

How to apply

Application forms for a licence must be sent to us at least four weeks in advance of the proposed dates of collection.

Download the House-to-house collections applications and regulations documents.

Street collections

Street collections are regulated by the Police, Factories etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1916. A street collection permit covers a collection of money or sale of articles for the benefit of charitable purposes, on the streets of Oxford.

We accept written applications for street collections in Oxford city centre and surrounding areas. Each charity is allowed one collection per year. We issue permits for street collections on Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays and Saturdays.

If other charities have already booked on the day you wanted, an alternative will be offered.

If applying on behalf of a charity the applicant will also need a signed letter from the charity acknowledging the collection, with mention of the date that it will be held on and the name of the applicant. This letter should be attached to the application form.

How to apply

Application forms for a permit must be sent to us at least four weeks in advance of the proposed dates of collection.

Download the Street collections application and regulations documents.

What to do after your collection

Within one month after the date of any collection it is a requirement that the person to whom the permit has been granted must send to us:

• a statement of returns as provided by us showing the amount received and the expenses and any payments incurred in connection with the collection
• a list of collectors
• a list of the amounts contained in each collecting box

If we do not receive the statement of returns it could affect permits being granted for your charity in the future. The form of statement will be posted to you with your permit.