WEST Dorset residents can check whether charity collections on their streets are genuine, thanks to a district council licensing scheme.
WEST Dorset residents can check whether charity collections on their streets are genuine, thanks to a district council licensing scheme.
WDDC issues a street collection permit for charities - showing it is properly licensed. The council's licensing team also operates a diary system to make sure that genuine collections don't clash.
WDDC Leader Robert Gould said: "If people haven't heard of the charity before, they should ask where the money is going before donating. They can also ask the collector to show the street collection permit issued by the district council."
Once a properly licensed collection has taken place the district council is told how much was collected and how much went to the good cause.
The council is working with Dorset Police to encourage awareness and prevent collections taking place without the required permit.
Anyone with concerns about collectors in the street can contact WDDC's licensing team on 01305 252214 or by emailing licensing@westdorset-dc.gov.uk
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