New Licensing rules For Scrap Metal Dealers
Originally published by Hertfordshire Liberal Democrats
NEW LICENSING RULES FOR SCRAP METAL DEALERS COME INTO FORCE
Hertfordshire Liberal Democrats have welcomed the new Scrap Metal Dealers Act law giving councils greater powers to combat the blight of scrap metal thefts!
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.
Every scrap metal dealer must now obtain a licence to trade from their local authority, which can now refuse or revoke licences.
The Act prohibits buying or selling scrap metal for cash and gives councils new powers of entry and inspection and the
ability to shut down rogue dealers.
This will help solve a spiraling national problem that costs the UK economy more than £700 million every year.
Unscrupulous thieves have been targeting churches, desecrating war memorials and causing disruption by stealing electric
cables and metal from railway lines.
County Cllr Nick Hollinghurst (Lib Dem Tring and the Villages), who has himself been a victim of metal theft 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. I am 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 councils and the police to both prevent and tackle a crime which causes such damage, distress and disruption.
"The new law is supported by responsible scrap metal dealers keen to see rogue traders shut down and prosecuted and stopped from bringing their trade into disrepute. Now we can all work together to clean up the industry once and for all and protect communities from the scourge of metal theft."