- Tamworth Borough Council join the national Stop Loan Sharks initiative
- The partnership will provide a safe, face-to-face support hub for residents affected by illegal money lending
- Council staff will be available to provide a safe space and guide people to the expert help they need
Tamworth Borough Council has become one of the first organisations to join a new national crackdown on loan sharks by signing up to be an official access point for the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT).
The IMLT, known as Stop Loan Sharks, is building a network of physical access points across England where people who have been targeted by a loan shark can safely and easily reach expert support.
It means that even those who may not have access to a phone or computer, or even a safe space to make the call, will now have the ability to get in touch.
While the Stop Loan Sharks team is available 24/7 via its confidential helpline, it covers the whole of England and does not have a physical office that the public can visit. This new initiative aims to bridge that gap by inviting community organisations to become an official access point that people can visit in person and get the support they need to make the call.
The council has become one of the first organisations to sign up, meaning staff will be able to assist anyone coming in who wants to get in touch with Stop Loan Sharks. They will be fully trained to help people make initial contact, whether via phone, email, or the online Live Chat. They will provide a safe space, access to the Stop Loan Sharks website, and emotional support.
Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, said: “When people have been targeted by an illegal lender, they often feel alone and isolated, and taking the first step to get help can be overwhelming. For those without access to a phone, computer, or a safe space to make contact, it can be impossible.
“These new access points are a lifeline. People can drop in, talk to trained staff, and get the practical support they need to make that first move toward safety. We’re thrilled that Tamworth Borough Council has joined the network - it means more people in the Tamworth area will now have a clear route to the help they need.”
Councillor Sarah Daniels, portfolio holder for co-operative council, community partnerships and antisocial behaviour, added: “We’re proud to be one of the first councils to support this vital initiative.
“Illegal lenders prey on vulnerable people in difficult circumstances, often causing unimaginable stress, fear and financial harm. By becoming an official access point for Stop Loan Sharks, we’re sending a clear message - help is here, and no one has to face this alone.
“Our staff are ready to provide a safe, supportive space and guide people towards the expert help they need.”
Many illegal money lenders are well known within their communities and are often introduced to borrowers through friends or family members. They are unregulated and give loans with no paperwork, adding extra charges or interest. They often appear to be friendly at first, but they often resort to threats, intimidation and even violence if repayments are not made.
Stop Loan Sharks is a national organisation that was set up over 20 years ago to investigate and prosecute illegal lenders and support borrowers. Since then, the team has supported around 32,500 people and secured over 430 successful prosecutions, with illegal lenders locked up for more than 612 years. More than £91.6 million in illegal debt has been written off.
Unauthorised lending is problematic as lenders do not complete affordability checks on borrowers - often meaning they are lending to people who cannot pay them back. These borrowers do not have the protection of consumer law such as cancellation periods and the ability to apply for help if they can’t pay. This causes huge amounts of stress and can impact their other finances, leaving them unable to pay rent or other priority bills.
Anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline on 0300 555 2222 or access support online at www.stoploansharks.co.uk. Live Chat is available on the website from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Notes:
The Illegal Money Lending Teams in England, Scotland and Wales work alongside the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to investigate those operating within the consumer credit market without the appropriate authorisation.
The Illegal Money Lending Teams in England and Wales work in partnership with local Trading Standards Authorities in their related countries. They consist of specialist officers who investigate and prosecute illegal money lending and related activity and LIAISE officers who support victims and raise awareness of the dangers of borrowing from illegal money lenders.