Tamworth Borough Council has received national recognition for its work to tackle illegal money lending and support residents affected by loan sharks.
The authority is now an accredited partner of the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), also known as Stop Loan Sharks. The national team investigates and prosecutes illegal lenders while providing specialist support to borrowers.
Why Tamworth council received the accreditation
The Partner Standard recognises the council's work to raise awareness of illegal lending and connect affected residents with confidential help.
Council staff have completed specialist awareness training to help them recognise warning signs and direct borrowers to appropriate support. Tamworth Borough Council also became one of the country's first official Stop Loan Sharks access points last year, providing a safe place where residents can use a telephone or computer and contact the IMLT.
Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, said the team was delighted to welcome the council as an official partner.
“Partners like this are vital in getting these criminals removed from communities, protecting the most vulnerable and making everyone feel a little bit safer.”
Councillor Andrew Wells, portfolio holder for cooperative council, community partnerships and anti-social behaviour, said the accreditation reflected the council's commitment to residents affected by illegal money lending.
“Loan sharks prey on people who are often in vulnerable situations, leaving them trapped in cycles of debt, fear and intimidation. We want everyone in our community to know that they are not alone and that help is available.”
How to recognise a possible loan shark
Illegal lenders are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Warning signs can include lending without paperwork, adding unexpected interest or charges, keeping bank cards or other valuables, and using threats or intimidation when payments are missed.
Borrowers dealing with an unauthorised lender do not have the consumer protections that apply to regulated credit agreements.
How to get confidential help
Anyone affected by illegal money lending can call the Stop Loan Sharks confidential 24-hour helpline on 0300 555 2222. The team can also be contacted by WhatsApp on 07700 102773.
Further support, a secure reporting form and weekday live chat are available through the official Stop Loan Sharks contact page. Anyone in immediate danger should call 999.
The photograph shows the Tamworth Borough Council team with its Stop Loan Sharks Partner Standard award. Image supplied by the England Illegal Money Lending Team.
