Street collections

If you would like to collect money or sell items for the benefit of charitable, sporting, cultural or other purposes that are not for private gain, you will need to apply for a licence.

What you need to apply for a licence

You will need to provide copies of the following documents:

• Letter of authority.
• Contract between the organiser and benefiting charity.
• Evidence of public liability insurance cover of £2 million.
• Written permission from the store manager if the collection is to take place outside a store.
• Where the collection is to take place in Culver Square or Red Lion Walk, written permission from the relevant management company.

Organisations are limited to a maximum of 2 collections per year in Colchester Town Centre, Dedham, Tiptree and Wivenhoe.

Applications should be made at least 28 days before the proposed date of the collection and cannot be made more than 6 months in advance.

Apply for a licence to collect in the street

Supplying a return for a street collection

Within one month of the collection a return must be submitted showing the amount collected and how it was spent.

Supply a return for a street collection

Permission to sell in Colchester Town Centre

Where the proposed collection is to sell charitable items in Colchester Town Centre using a stall or table, permission must be sought 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 calendar of collections is organised by the Institute of Fundraising and further information can be obtained from them.