STOCKTON Council showed its commitment to tackling illegal money lending by signing the local Stop Loan Sharks Charter on Monday 3 November.
The Charter brings people together to create a united statement that loan sharks will not be tolerated in the local community.
The launch was organised by Stockton Council in partnership with the England Illegal Money Lending Team and Infinity, Stockton’s financial inclusion group to raise awareness and help local residents.
The Council and other key organisations which support victims of loan sharks are making a stand against illegal money lending to send a clear message that they are united in a zero tolerance approach to this crime.
Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Community, Councillor Steve Nelson, signed the Charter on behalf of the Council. He said: “We want residents to know that we are committed to tackling illegal money lending. Our continued work with the credit unions gives residents access to legal, safe and beneficial alternatives to using loan sharks. We urge anyone who has been affected by a loan shark to contact the Illegal Money Lending Team anonymously on 0300 555 2222.”
Alternatively, email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk or send a private message on www.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject