New Licensing rules For Scrap Metal Dealers

NEW LICENSING RULES FOR SCRAP METAL DEALERS COME INTO FORCE

Hertfordshire Liberal Democrats have welcomed a new law giving councils
greater powers to combat the blight of scrap metal thefts on communities
across the country.

Every scrap metal dealer is having to obtain a licence to trade from
their local authority under the new Scrap Metal Dealers Act with councils
now able to refuse or revoke licences.

The Act also makes it illegal for anyone to buy or sell scrap metal with
cash and gives councils new powers of entry and inspection and the
ability to shut down rogue dealers.

The Local Government Association, which represents more than 370 councils
in England and Wales and which successfully lobbied alongside industry
stakeholders for the new legislation, expects it to help solve a
spiraling national problem that costs the UK economy more than £700
million every year.

It will also help protect against unscrupulous thieves targeting churches,
desecrating war memorials and causing disruption by stealing electric
cables and metal from railway lines.

An LGA survey last year showed that nine in 10 councils had been the
victims of metal theft at a cost of more than £5 million. Stolen gully
covers, electric cables and street furniture was leading to people
falling down holes, power cuts and local authorities having to spend
millions of pounds on repairs and replacements.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst (Lib Dem Central Watford and Oxhey), and Lib
Dem Lead on the County's Highways and Waste Panel said,

"Metal thefts have had a hugely negative impact on communities,
businesses and councils with trains disrupted, precious memorials
desecrated, church and library roofs vandalised, schools targeted and
road signs stolen. We are delighted that Liberal Democrats in government
worked hard to ensure that this Bill became law".

"Much of these stolen goods were ending up in scrap yards and out-dated
legislation left councils powerless to act and having to pick up the bill
to replace them at a time when funding cuts are putting a strain on their
ability to deliver vital services.

"This new Act will help tackle this mindless crime and make it easier for
councils and the police to both prevent and tackle this criminal activity
that causes such damage, distress and disruption.

"It is also supported by responsible scrap metal dealers keen to see
rogue traders shut down and prosecuted and stopped from bringing their
trade into disrepute. From today, we can all work together to clean up
the industry once and for all and protect communities from the scourge of
metal theft."