Free Literature Consent Schemes

This page can be referred to as www.birmingham.gov.uk/freeliterature

Free Literature Consent Schemes seek to control the litter problem created by the distribution and subsequent discarding of newspapers, documents, cards, leaflets, pamphlets, stickers and other 'free' literature. The image on this page shows the potential impact discarded 'free' literature can have on our streets.

So far the City Council has declared four Free Literature Consent Areas, see the links below to the specific areas where Free Literature Schemes operate. Persons wishing to distribute free literature within these areas need to apply for consent, pay a consent fee and are subject to various conditions to that consent.

• City Centre Retail Area Free Literature Consent Scheme

• Digbeth Free Literature Consent Scheme

• Hurst Street Free Literature Consent Scheme

• Broad Street Free Literature Consent Scheme

The schemes do not apply to the distribution of free printed matter by or on behalf of a charity within the meaning of the Charities Act 1993 or where the distribution is for political purposes or for the purpose of a religion or belief.

In order to obtain consent from the City Council to distribute free literature, individuals/companies are required to:

• Complete an application form (see attachments below)
• Pay a fee of £255 per distributor
• Abide by a number of conditions (see attachments below)

Consents last for a period of 12 months from the date of issue.

More information on the scheme is available on our Frequently Asked Questions web page and from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Alternatively you can contact us at:

Tel: 0121 675 2754
E-mail publichealth@birmingham.gov.uk

or write to :-
Free Literature Consents,
Regulatory Services,
Ladbrooke House,
Bordesley Street,
Digbeth,
Birmingham,
B5 5BL

Please Note:
If you are considering running an event within the City Centre eg. setting up a stall, use of vehicles, actors, costumes, video screens etc. then you must seek permission from City Centre Management (telephone 0121 616 2894). This will be in addition to any application you make to distribute free printed matter.