Street and house-to-house charity collections must be registered and a permit issued by the council. There is no charge for a permit.
If you believe a collection in your area without a permit, you should contact the council and the police.
Street collection regulations (PDF 29.8KB) 
Street collection statement of account return (PDF 70.2KB)
Street collection - Notification of incidents and instances (link opens in new window)
House to house collection application (PDF 74.7KB)
House to house collection notes for applicant (PDF 74.7KB)
House to house collection regulations (PDF 34KB)
House to house collection return - money (PDF 79.1KB)
House to house collection return - goods (PDF 53.4KB)
House to house collection - Notification of incidents or instances (link opens in new window)
Licensed collectors
We've produced a list of licensed collectors (PDF 190.4KB) , so you can easily check if the organisation who approaches you is licensed to do so.
Street collections
To collect money or sell articles for charity, either on a public street or on private property, you will need a street collection permit.
No more than one collection will be granted in any location on the same day.
You can book specific dates over the telephone before sending your application.
If the collection is on private property or in a store, written permission must be given by the store. A copy of this permission should be sent with the application form.
Certain areas of Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard town centres are considered to be private property. Permission must be gained from the management to collect in these areas.
You must send us a completed 'Statement of Account' return within 1 month of the collection taking place.
Fees
There is no charge for a permit.
How to apply
View or download an application form (PDF)
There is no statutory right of appeal against the refusal of a Street Collection permit. If you wish to challenge our decision, you will have to apply to the High Court for a review of the decision.
Direct Debit collections
Direct Debit collections do not need an application. But, please advise us in case other collections are taking place on the same day in the same area.
House-to-house collections
If you want to collect money or other goods, such as clothes and bric-a-brac for charity by going from house to house (including public houses and places of business), you will need a house to house collections permit.
About the permit
Some charities have a Cabinet Office exemption and do not need a permit.
Clothes can be collected instead of, or as well as, money and direct debits.
You must send us a completed 'Statement of Account' return within one month of the collection taking place.
If you are refused a house to house collection permit, or if your permit is revoked, you may appeal to the Secretary of State within 14 days.
Fees
There is no charge for a permit.
How to apply
You can apply for a house-to-house collection permit online (link opens in new window).
Will tacit consent apply?
Tacit consent does not apply for these permits. You must not assume that your permit is granted just because you have not heard from us.
If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please email the licensing team at licensing@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.