Manchester Charitable Event Fee Exemptions

Events and Special Uses England 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of England

In Manchester, England, organisers of charitable events must follow council rules for use of public land, licences for regulated activities and any local bylaws that apply to streets, parks and public spaces. This guide explains typical eligibility for fee exemptions, what documentation is commonly required, how to notify the council and how enforcement and appeals usually work. It is aimed at charity organisers, community groups and volunteers planning fundraising stalls, runs, concerts or street collections in Manchester.

Check permission requirements early to avoid late fees or refusals.

Eligibility for Fee Exemptions

Eligibility for fee reduction or exemption is determined by the council department that manages the specific venue or licence type (parks, highways, licensing). Typical factors considered include charitable status, the public benefit of the event, low or no admission charge, and whether organisers can demonstrate community benefit or lack of commercial intent.

  • Charitable status: registered charities and organisations with clear charitable objectives are prioritised.
  • Event purpose and beneficiary: events whose proceeds go to charity receive stronger consideration.
  • Scale and impact: small, short-duration community events are more likely to be exempted from hire fees.
  • Ability to pay: councils may assess whether a fee waiver is necessary to enable the event.

Applying for an Exemption or Reduction

Contact the Manchester City Council events or parks team early. Applications typically require proof of charitable status, a risk assessment, public liability insurance details and a description of the event operations. For regulated activities such as on-site alcohol sales you may need to use a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) under national licensing rules; guidance is available at the national site below Temporary Event Notice (TEN)[1].

Applications & Forms

  • Application form: contact the council events team for the council venue or land-use application — if no form is published, the council will advise on required documents.
  • Proof of charity: charity registration number or constitution must be supplied when claiming exemption.
  • Fee information: specific fees or waiver amounts are not specified on the national guidance page and should be requested from Manchester City Council.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unauthorised events, breaches of licensing conditions or non-payment of council fees is carried out by the relevant Manchester City Council teams (events management, licensing, parks enforcement, environmental health and parking enforcement) and, for licensing offences, by police or authorised officers where relevant. Specific monetary penalties for local permit breaches and fee recovery are not specified on the national TEN guidance page and must be confirmed with the council for the particular permit or bylaw cited[1].

Hold documentation showing any granted exemption at the event to show authorised officers.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited national page; local fine amounts for council bylaws or permit breaches must be confirmed with Manchester City Council.
  • Escalation: councils typically issue a warning, then fixed penalties or prosecution for continuing breaches, but exact escalation steps are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop the activity, removal of structures, seizure of equipment, or suspension/refusal of future permits are commonly available remedies.
  • Enforcer and complaints: enforcement is by Manchester City Council departments; report concerns to the council’s complaints or events enforcement contacts.
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and time limits depend on the permit type and are set out in the permit decision notice or licensing legislation; time limits are not specified on the cited page and should be checked on the decision document.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Holding an event without permission — outcome: warning, removal order or prosecution if continued.
  • Failure to obtain a TEN when required for licensable activities — outcome: fixed penalty or prosecution under licensing law.
  • Breaches of conditions (noise, safety) — outcome: enforcement notices, fines or suspension of future approvals.

Action steps for organisers

  • Plan early: contact Manchester City Council events/parks/licensing teams at least several weeks in advance.
  • Assemble documents: charity proof, risk assessment, insurance and site plan.
  • Submit application: follow the council’s submission process and request written confirmation of any fee exemption.
  • Pay or appeal: if a fee is charged and you believe you qualify for exemption, use the council’s published review or appeal process on the decision notice.

FAQ

Who can apply for a charitable fee exemption?
Registered charities and not-for-profit community groups that can show public benefit and relevant insurance and safety plans typically apply for fee exemptions.
Do I always need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN)?
You need a TEN for certain licensable activities such as selling alcohol or regulated entertainment; see national TEN guidance for details and limits Temporary Event Notice (TEN)[1].
What if the council refuses an exemption?
The decision notice will set out review or appeal rights and any time limits; if none are stated, contact the council for the internal review procedure.

How-To

  1. Confirm charitable status and gather proof (charity number or governing documents).
  2. Contact Manchester City Council events or parks team to confirm venue-specific requirements and request the exemption application form if applicable.
  3. Complete the application with risk assessment, insurance details and site plan; attach proof of beneficiary charity.
  4. Submit the application by the council’s stated method and deadline and request written confirmation of any fee exemption.
  5. If required, apply for a Temporary Event Notice for licensable activities using the national procedure.
  6. If a fee is charged and refused, follow the decision notice appeal or review route and keep all correspondence for records.

Key Takeaways

  • Start early and contact the council events team to confirm exemption criteria.
  • Provide clear proof of charitable purpose and required safety documents to support a fee waiver request.
  • Keep written confirmation of any exemption and follow appeal steps if a fee is imposed.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] GOV.UK Temporary Event Notice - guidance

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