Decision details

To seek approval for the extension of existing arrangements for enforcement of Illegal Money Lending activities delegated to Birmingham City Council to ensure that the Authority is able to provide the best possible protection to vulnerable members of the community who can fall victim to loan sharks.

Since February 2008 the Authority has operated an agreement with Birmingham City Council in accordance with Section 19(1) of the Local Government Act 2000 and Regulation 7 of the Local Authorities (Arrangements for the Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2000 in respect of the enforcement of Part III of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

The service provided by Birmingham City Council is funded by the Home Office and operates across English Local Authorities at no additional cost to the Authority. The service is sufficiently resourced to provide the expertise necessary to deal with a complex area of investigation

In relation to the proposal to renew the arrangements between Stockport Council and Birmingham City Council for the enforcement of illegal money lending activities, the Executive Meeting has recommended that the Council Meeting :-

·         authorise Birmingham City Council to investigate and institute proceedings against illegal money lenders operating in the Stockport area;

·         agree by virtue of Section 19(1) of the Local Government Act 2000 and Regulation 7 of the Local Authorities (Arrangements for the Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2000 to the delegation of enforcement functions under Part III of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 to the Trading Standards Services of Birmingham City Council subject to those terms and conditions contained in the agreement to be entered into with Birmingham City Council relating to the said delegated function; and

·         approve the “Protocol for Illegal Money Lending Team Investigations” (as detailed at Appendix 1 of the accompanying report) and authorise officers to approve minor alterations as required to ensure agreement to allow the agreement to run from the date when approved by the Council Meeting until 31 March 2015.

None.

None.

No consultation is to take place on this matter. The decision to authorise Birmingham City Council to enforce the relevant legislation in the Stockport area was taken by the Executive in February 2008. This decision is seeking to renew that existing agreement.