Public Charitable Collection Permit
Section 119 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 provides that any person who organises a public charitable collection requires a permit from the local authority. The permits are administered by the Council's Licensing Team.
The Licensing Team is able to provide general guidance on the scheme but cannot assist you to complete your application form or provide legal advice on whether a permit is required. You should seek legal advice from a solicitor or advice centre if you are unsure as to whether you require a permit.
"public charitable collection" means a collection from the public of money (whether given by them for consideration or not) for charitable purposes take whether in a public place or by means of visits from place to place.
"charitable purposes" means any charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes whether or not they are charitable within the meaning of any rule of law.
"public place" means any place to which the public have unrestricted access. A collection can therefore take place in say, a supermarket without the Council's permission (but permission is required from the supermarket operator).
All organisers of public charitable collections should familiarise themselves with the Public Charitable Collections (Scotland) Regulations 1984, as amended by the Public Charitable Collections (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1988, which provides the rules for the duties of organisers, collectors, the opening of collecting boxes and envelopes and accounting requirements in respect of public charitable collections. Organisers and collectors who breach the regulations can be fined if convicted. Links to these regulations can be found below at Downloads.
