Illegal Money Lending and the Financial Inclusion Plan

Illegal money lenders, are unlicensed (lending without a Consumer Credit licence) and operate outside the law. They are commonly referred to as loan sharks. These loan sharks not only take advantage of vulnerable borrowers but also bring disrepute to legitimate lenders.

Consumers who may find themselves unable to access credit due to a poor credit history, an inability to manage finances or because their income is simply too low to provide reassurance, may resort to illegal money-lenders.

The Government believes that action is needed to protect consumers, particularly the most vulnerable in our society. It is seeking to promote responsible and sustainable banking and curb unsustainable lending in order to protect consumers from financial malpractice.

An estimated 165,000 households in the UK use an illegal money lender each year. If you need to get information about reporting a loan shark or managing your money please contact the Stop Loan Sharks team immediately. 

Financial Abuse

The Newcastle Safeguarding Adults Board on the 15 November 2021 launched guidance on identifying, preventing and responding to financial abuse.

Financial abuse can be wide-ranging and complex. It can be difficult to identify and knowing where to go for help might be confusing for both the person at risk and those supporting them. The guidance aims to help with this.

This guidance is primarily in relation to adults with care and support needs and is intended to complement the over-arching Newcastle Safeguarding Adults Board multi-agency safeguarding adults policy and procedures.  However, many of the services, support and information detailed are universal and are available to all adults.

Over the last five years, financial abuse has accounted for between 16-19% of all Section 42 enquiries undertaken in Newcastle. Financial abuse can have a serious impact upon a person, not only on their money or property but also on their overall wellbeing, physical and mental health.

Newsletter

To access a copy of the Summer 2021 IMLT newsletter, go to Newsletter (pdf 2 mb)

The City Council has now adopted a new approach to increasing financial inclusion. The Financial Inclusion Plan aligns the work of a range of partners to reduce duplication and target capacity to meet our shared priorities. The plan is about making the most difference to people whose lives will be improved by becoming financially included. Financial inclusion is about making sure everyone has access to appropriate financial services and the skills and confidence to use them to improve their lives.    

Financial inclusion is an important element in tackling poverty and facilitating social justice. The aim of the Financial Inclusion Plan is to make a measurable difference to financially excluded people.  

Cost of Living Support 

To access the City Council's response to the Cost of Living Support

Newcastle Debt Advice

This is a partnership of debt advice agencies. Its aim is to deliver fast simple access to free advice and information for people with debt, rent or mortgage problems, and the services involved include in Newcastle Debt Advice include Welfare Rights and Money Advice, Newcastle Citizens Advice,  and Shelter.  

Media

To access more information on the work of the IMLT in the region go to a recent story on Capital North East

Contact

Trading Standards service, Directorate of Operations and Regulatory services, Civic Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QH. Email: tradingstandards@newcastle.gov.uk