Charity Street Collections
Anyone collecting money or selling articles on behalf of charity, in a place to which the public have unrestricted access, must first have a license from the local authority. Each authority will have its own procedure for making sure that collections are organised suitably for their area.
Most charities want to collect in Guildford town centre, and because there are so many we have to limit each charity to just one collection day per calendar year in the town centre. This does not prevent them from collecting elsewhere in the borough at other times, but gives everyone a chance in the town centre. If more than one charity requests the same day then priority will be given to the local charity, the national charity being allocated another suitable day.
Collectors are committing an offence if they are collecting without a valid permit or outside the date and times stated on the permit.
Please note: All collectors must be over 16 years old
Each collector in Guildford must wear a badge with the Guildford Borough Council logo and the authorised date of the collection on it. This will show the public that the charity and collectors have been authorised by Guildford Borough Council and are legitimate collectors.
There must be no more than 2 collectors in each site, and at least 25 metres between sites.
Collectors must stand still and not accost or annoy the public.
Face to Face - Direct Debits
Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA) members are allowed to operate in the town centre twice per week. Bookings are arranged by PFRA and agreed by Guildford Borough Council.
Collectors must carry official ID and wear something prominently showing the charity concerned.
If a professional fundraiser is soliciting money or direct debits for a charitable cause from the public in a public place they must:
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give a statement giving the name of the appeal or charity
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mention that they are not a charity but a company
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say what percentage is taken for wages
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say what percentage is taken by the company
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say what percentage goes to the charity
Fundraisers are committing an offence if this is not stated.
Fundraisers should be positioned in such a way as to offer an adequate ‘comfort zone’ to town centre users who choose not to engage with them. They should also be a minimum of 5 metres from shops and company entrances so as not to deter people from entering.
Licensing Team
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444371
Email: licensing@guildford.gov.uk