The National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA) urged the Welsh Government to join forces with the police and other enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal money lending.
The call for action was a result of the NPA responding to the Welsh Government’s consultation regarding its Financial Inclusion Strategy.
NPA Chief Executive, Ray Perry, said:
“Pawnbrokers - who are members of the National Pawnbrokers Association - are responsible lenders. Unlike other consumer credit products, customers do not need to worry about bailiffs if they fall behind in debt. In fact the vast majority of people do redeem their items and independent research has found that pawnbroking loans can be more affordable than a loan from a high street bank”.
“But whilst NPA members act responsibly and are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, the problem of illegal money lenders who prey on vulnerable people continues to exist. The actions of these criminals are particularly felt during the festive period when families can be under financial pressure”.
“That is why we fully support the aims and aspirations of the Welsh Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy. People should be given the support and advice they need to make informed decisions which meet their long term needs. The Welsh Government is right to do all that it can to stop people being trapped in a cycle of debt – and the National Pawnbrokers Association is willing to work with the Welsh Government to achieve this shared objective”.
“NPA members in Wales, for example, already provide debt advice leaflets in the Welsh and English languages to customers who may need further support”.
“But we must do more – so, today, we are calling on the Welsh Government for co-ordinated action with all enforcement agencies, such as the Financial Conduct Authority, HMRC, the Insolvency Service and police forces – to crack down on illegal money lending”.
“We need a zero tolerance policy in Wales – and across the whole of the United Kingdom – towards criminals who pass themselves off as legitimate money lenders”.
“We have already begun work with the Home Office, the National Police Chiefs Council and Police Scotland to see what more we can do to crack down on illegal money lending”.
“We will step up our campaign in 2016 to ensure that more action is taken by the authorities to stop this form of criminal activity”.
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Notes for Editors
The National Pawnbrokers Association (NPA) was founded in 1892 and is the trade association representing pawnbrokers, from the large chains through to independents, in a £930m loan market growing year on year. It is the authoritative voice of the pawnbroking industry in the UK.
The NPA stands for expertise, fairness and transparency, professionalism and excellence. All our members are bound by our rules and a customer code of conduct. Pawnbroking is part of the credit industry and is regulated alongside banks and other lenders by the Consumer Credit Act 1974.