Licensing Services
Public Charitable Collections
To run a group or organisation that makes public or house-to-house collections for
charitable purposes you need a licence for the
collection from South Ayrshire Council, unless you hold an exemption.
The organiser of the collection must apply in writing (including by electronic means)
to South Ayrshire Council no later than one month before the date of the collection.
How to apply
Please contact South Ayrshire Council using the contact details below in the first
instance.
What happens next?
Before considering an application South Ayrshire Council must have received all
the required supporting documentation before the application is considered lodged.
South Ayrshire Council shall consult the chief constable for the area and make such
other inquiries as they think fit.
South Ayrshire Council will consider:
- public inconvenience
- other collections taking place
- the amount of money to be given to charity against the likely proceeds of the collection
- any convictions of the organiser
We would expect to process your application within 183 calendar days or 10 working
days. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us.
You will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard
from the local authority by the end of the target completion period.
What if I have been refused approval?
Please contact South Ayrshire Council using the contact details below in the first
instance.
The organiser of a collection may appeal to the sheriff within 14 days of the date
of refusal or, if reasons for the refusal have been given, within 14 days from the
date of receipt of those reasons.
Consumer complaints
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made
with the service provider by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of
delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice or you can
contact us directly. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other complaints
If you wish to complain about a licence holder then please use the contact details
below.
Who to contact
Licensing Services
South Ayrshire Council
Town Buildings
29 New Bridge Street
Ayr KA7 1JX
Tel: 01292 617684
Trade Associations
Not applicable