Help Shape New Rules for Charity Collections

Residents, charities and businesses in Henley are encouraged to comment on a new policy for charity collections.

Aimed at safeguarding donors and beneficiaries, ensuring fair access to collection opportunities and preventing unlicensed fundraising, the proposed policy introduces key measures, including:

• A requirement for applicants to provide detailed supporting material about their charity.
• Restrictions on where collections can take place to prevent blanket district-wide collections.
• A minimum of 80 per cent of money donated during house-to-house collections to go to the charitable cause.
• A fairer allocation of street collection opportunities.
• Clear grounds for refusing applications and licence revocations.

South Oxfordshire District Council are keen to hear from local people and organisations to help shape the final version of the policy before it is implemented.

The consultation is open until 11.59pm on Wednesday 26 March 2025.  For more information and to take part, visit southandvale.gov.uk/CharityCollectionsConsultation

Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council, said:  “Charity collections play a vital role in supporting good causes, but it’s essential to ensure they are well-regulated and fair for everyone. This policy will help protect donors, ensure transparency and create a level playing field for all charities.”