Scheme aims to help ease pressure of loan shark debt
ANEW campaign designed to encourage victims to come forward and report loan sharks has been launched.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) – a specialist team that investigate and prosecute loan sharks – has unveiled its ‘ Why I Borrowed’ campaign to encourage people to report illegal money lenders if they or someone they know has been affected.
Cheshire East Council is working with the IMLT to help raise awareness of this problem, and is hosting free community awareness training for community volunteers and advocates, who can pass on their assistance to others.
Liz Shaw, from Citizens Advice Services, Cheshire East, said: “January and February is our busiest time of the year for seeing people struggling to manage their finances. If anyone is anxious about loans they have taken from illegal lenders or know of anyone that is, we can help.
“We know people may be scared to divulge details of money owed to illegal lenders but all our services are confidential and we don’t share anything our clients tell us without their explicit permission, so we would urge anyone that has concerns to come and speak to us.”
The one-hour free session will be held at the Church of the Resurrection on Chruchway, on Saturday, March 3, from 10am until 11am.
At the sessions, Tracy Fairhurst, from ILMT, will share practical and helpful information gained from many years helping people to deal with loan sharks.
Councillor Janet Clowes, cabinet member for adult social care and integration, said: “We will not tolerate loan sharks operating in our area and preying on vulnerable people.
“Our trading standards team works very closely with the national illegal money lending unit to take action against loan sharks and will respond to every report made by residents. We understand that people may feel they have no other option but to ask a loan shark for money but we would urge anyone in this position to speak to your local Citizens Advice service and get professional and supportive advice – you will not be judged, just helped.”
If you are struggling with debt, you can contact Citizens Advice Service Cheshire East at citizensadvicece.org.uk/ or by phoning 03444 111 444; or call Cheshire Neighbours Credit Union Ltd (CNCU) which can help with low cost loans and budgeting accounts. Call 01270 685625 or email info@ cncu.org.uk.