Issue - meetings

Report of the Corporate Director of Public Health and Public Protection is

circulated

Cllr Keith Humphries, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection Services, introduced a report which sought approval for Wiltshire Council to authorise the Illegal Money Lending Section of Birmingham City Council to investigate and institute proceedings against illegal money lenders operating within the Wiltshire Council area as part of a national collaborative project.

Councillors supported the principle of addressing illegal money lending in Wiltshire, and it was hoped that people could be directed towards the Credit Unions.  Reference was also made to the need to publicise the action to discourage illegal money lenders from operating in the county. 

It was noted that the primary reasons people gave for using unlicensed money lenders was for utility bills and food.  Other support mechanisms existed for this and it was suggested that a briefing note could be produced for Councillors.  In addition, it was hoped that a publicity campaign could be developed in partnership with the Citizens Advice Bureau.  The Leader undertook to speak to Sarah Cardy at the CAB about this.

Resolved:

That the Cabinet agrees that the discharge of its function of the enforcement of Part III of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 be carried out in Wiltshire by Birmingham City Council (pursuant to Section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972, Regulation 7 of the Local Authority (Arrangements for Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2000 and Section 13 and 19 of the Local Government Act 2000).

That the “Protocol for Illegal Money Lending Team Investigations” (attached as Appendix 2 to the report) be agreed and authority be delegated to the Service Director, Public Protection to enter into the agreement on behalf of Council and approve minor alterations if required.

Reason for Decision

The proposal will add to the Council’s resources and will enable Wiltshire’s Trading Standards Service to have access to a team of highly trained experts from the Illegal Money Lending Team.