Leafleting

Distribution of Free Printed Matter

To tackle litter caused by discarded flyers and leaflets, Wakefield Council has implemented regulations. These regulations state that written permission from the Council is necessary to distribute promotional flyers and leaflets in Wakefield city centre.

Those granted permission will receive badges. These must be worn by the individuals distributing the leaflets.

Consent is not required if the material being distributed is:

• for political purposes
• for religious beliefs
• relates to a charity registered under the Charities Act
• printed material for which payment is made (e.g., newspapers)
• handed out within buildings or put through letterboxes

As well as handing out flyers and leaflets, consent is also required if free printed matter is left outside in a public place for people to pick up, or put on windscreens etc.

Consent is only required within the designated area in Wakefield city centre: see map here.

See our guidance document here for more information, including conditions attached to any consent given.

It is an offence to distribute free printed matter in the designated area without consent. See our Enforcement Policy here for further information.

Apply for Consent

You can apply online here for a new consent or to change an existing consent. Applicants should allow fourteen days before they intend to use the Consent to allow sufficient time for applications to be processed.

There are two types of consent available:

• day Consent - which allows distribution between 7am and 7pm
• day/night Consent - which allows distribution between 7am and 3am

Day Consent - Annual

For example, consent for 4 distributors = £34.99 + £34.99 + £34.99 + £34.99 = £139.96 in total

Day/Night Consent - Annual

For example, consent for 4 distributors = £209.95 + £69.98 + £69.98 + £69.98 = £419.89 in total

​Day/Night Consent - Monthly

or example, consent for 4 distributors = £34.99 + £23.70 + £23.70 + £23.70 = £106.09 in total

A charge of £23.70 will be payable for any replacement badges or variations to the Consent.

If you plan to trade or organise an event in Wakefield City Centre, you may need permission from our Markets and Major Events Team.  However, it’s important to note that if they grant permission this automatically includes the authorisation to use promotional leaflets and similar materials, therefore, there is no need for a separate consent specifically for distributing free printed matter.