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A street collection licence is issued by the Met and grants you permission to collect money for charity in London’s public spaces. If you’re planning to hit the streets with your change bucket, find out how to apply for a collection licence, the rules around collecting donations on the street and how to report your takings afterwards.
To make sure you don’t have to compete for donations with another charity on your collection day, we allocate a set number of street collection dates each year.
A charity is allowed four street collection days per year, but each day must be in separate boroughs. This means we allow only one date per borough per calendar year.
To make your application, please go to our how to apply for a charity collection licence page. For a street collection licence you’ll need the following items:
If you’re collecting during the London Marathon along its route, a letter of sponsorship from the mayor isn’t required.
Letters and details to support your application can take some time to gather together, so we recommend starting your preparations as early as possible.
Also, bear in mind we must receive applications by the first day of the month before your chosen collection date. So, for example, if you’re planning to collect on 20 September we need to receive your application no later than 1 August.
Please only apply using our online charity collection licence service. We won't accept any applications or documents sent by post. If you have any queries not covered in the online service, please email us.
We don't issue permits for busking or any sporting events.
In order to qualify for a licence, your chosen charity must be registered with the Charity Commission and the Fundraising Regulator.
Street collection licences are granted on the condition that you follow these general rules when collecting:
In addition, while fancy dress is a good way to grab attention, we strongly discourage hiring or buying costumes using the proceeds of the collection. Only ten per cent of your collection may be claimed as expenses for your first collection.
Once you’ve raised money, don’t forget: as part of your street collection licence you need to submit the details below within three months.
Submit your accounts using our Schedule 2 form (see downloads below), showing:
Please scan your completed Schedule 2 and email it to us.
An article shall be published in a printed or online newspaper, describing the area in which the collection took place, the amount collected and any expenses incurred.
If your collection total is £400 or less, you can request that the need for an accountant's signature on the Schedule 2 form and the publication of a newspaper article be waived.
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