If you want to collect money or sell items in the street for charitable, sporting, cultural or other non-profit purposes, you must apply for a licence.
What you need to apply
You must provide copies of the following documents:
- a letter of authority
- a contract between the organiser and the charity benefiting from the collection
- evidence of public liability insurance with cover of at least £2 million
- written permission from the store manager if the collection will take place outside a shop
- written permission from the relevant management company if the collection will take place in Culver Square or Red Lion Walk
Organisations are limited to a maximum of 2 street collections per year in:
- Colchester town centre
- Dedham
- Tiptree
- Wivenhoe
You must apply at least 28 days before the proposed collection date. Applications cannot be made more than 6 months in advance.
Apply for a licence to collect in the street
After your collection
You must submit a return within one month of the collection. The return must show how much money was collected and how it was spent.
Submit a street collection return
Selling items in Colchester town centre
If you plan to sell charitable items in Colchester town centre using a stall or table, you must also get permission from the Colchester Markets Team.
Apply for a street trading permit
Direct debit collections are allowed in Colchester on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in specified areas of the town centre.
The collection calendar is managed by the Institute of Fundraising. Contact them for further information.