Birmingham Bylaws: Charitable Event Fee Exemptions

Birmingham, England organisers holding fundraisers, collections or community benefit events on council land must follow local rules and licencing steps to request fee exemptions or reduced charges. This guide explains when exemptions commonly apply, which department enforces rules, how to apply for permissions and what to expect if conditions are breached. It summarises the typical documents and contacts you will need and points to official national and city guidance for licensing and temporary permissions.

When fee exemptions may apply

Charitable event fee exemptions are usually considered where the activity is primarily for a registered charity, community benefit or non-profit fundraising taking place on council property or requiring a licence; the council assesses public safety, disruption, income purpose and insurance. For licensable activities under the licensing regime, organisers should also check national Temporary Event Notice rules and local licensing requirements and limits via the national guidance and the council licensing pages Temporary Event Notice guidance^[1] and Birmingham Licensing^[2].

Permits, approvals and typical process

Most applications for events on council land or for activities needing licences require an application to the relevant council service and evidence such as a public liability insurance certificate, risk assessment and proof of charitable status where an exemption is requested.

• Prepare application documents: insurance, risk assessment, site plan and charity registration.
• Submit at least as early as the council requests; councils commonly ask for 6-12 weeks notice but check the council page for local deadlines.
• Contact the events or licensing team listed on the council site for pre-application advice.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unauthorised events, failure to comply with licence conditions or misuse of an exemption is carried out by council licensing, parks or environmental health officers and may be referred to the courts. Specific fines and monetary penalties for breaches are not uniformly listed on the general council guidance pages and are not specified on the cited page^[2], so organisers should confirm amounts with the enforcing department when applying.

• Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; contact the council for exact figures.
• Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences process is handled via notices and possible prosecution; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement can include written enforcement notices, removal requirements, suspension of permissions and referral to the magistrates or Crown Court.
• Enforcer and complaints: the council licensing or parks team enforces permits; use the official contact pages to report breaches and request inspections.
• Appeals and review: appeal routes vary by instrument (licence review, magistrates appeal); time limits for appeal are set in the relevant legislation or licence notice and should be confirmed with the enforcing department.

Applications & Forms

The council publishes specific application forms and guidance for events, licences and permissions on its official pages; where a temporary licensable activity applies, organisers must also follow the national Temporary Event Notice process. If a concrete form name or fixed fee is not shown on the council guidance page, it is not specified on the cited page^[2] and you should request the current form and fee schedule from the council.

• Typical forms: event application for council land, licence application, temporary road closure requests.
• Fees: check the specific event permit page or request a fee schedule; exemption requests normally require evidence but fees or reductions are not always guaranteed.
• Submission: follow the online submission route on the council site or email the events/licensing inbox as instructed on the official pages.

Action steps for organisers

• Step 1: Confirm whether your activity is licensable or requires council land permission and gather charity documentation.
• Step 2: Consult the national Temporary Event Notice guidance if the activity involves licensable activities and small-scale public gatherings Temporary Event Notice guidance^[1].
• Step 3: Contact Birmingham Licensing or the parks events team early to request the correct application form and ask about fee exemption criteria.
• Step 4: Submit the application with evidence and pay any required processing fees unless an exemption is granted.

FAQ

Do charities automatically get fee exemptions for events on council land?

No, exemptions are not automatic; councils assess each request on purpose, public impact and evidence of charitable status.

Which department should I contact about a fee exemption?

Contact Birmingham Licensing for licensable activities and the parks or events team for council land permissions; use the council contact pages for the correct service.

Can I rely on a Temporary Event Notice instead of a council permit?

A Temporary Event Notice covers certain licensable activities but does not replace council land permissions or park permits; check both national and local guidance.

How-To

1. Confirm the event type and identify whether you need a licence, a Temporary Event Notice or a council land permit.
2. Gather supporting documents: charity registration, risk assessment, insurance and site plan.
3. Contact the council events or licensing team for the correct form and guidance on exemption evidence.
4. Submit the application before the deadline given by the council and include a clear exemption request with supporting documents.
5. Follow up with the contact officer, respond to any conditions and obtain written confirmation of any fee exemption or charge.

Key Takeaways

• Fee exemptions for charitable events are possible but not automatic; evidence and early application improve outcomes.
• Engage with Birmingham Licensing and the parks/events team early for guidance and forms.
• Keep records of submissions and contact details in case of enforcement or appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

• Birmingham Licensing contact and services
• Parks and events on council land
• Environmental Health services