Scrap That? I
• • • • •
n December 2017, the Home Offi ce presented a review of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. T e Act replaced its 1964 predecessor and was introduced with the aim of tackling rising
levels of metal theſt , including the theſt of lead from church roofs and other theſt s from buildings and sites of community and heritage value - estimated to be costing the UK £220 million per year.
HAS THE ACT DONE ITS JOB? T e act introduced the following; •
scrap metal dealers (mobile collectors and disposal sites) to hold and display a licence local authorities to charge a licence fee (set locally) national register of licences closure of unlicensed sites
scrap metal dealers to verify the identity and address of persons from whom they receive metal record-keeping requirements in respect of any scrap metal received or disposed of • makes it an off ence for scrap metal dealers to purchase scrap metal for cash
Metal theſt off ences recorded by the police in England and Wales – shows a 79% reduction in metal related crime: YEAR
OFFENCES
2012/13 62,997
2013/14 42,230
2014/15 27,362
2015/16 16,639
2016/17 12,970
T e review considered feedback from a number of stakeholders. T e majority stated that there should be more eff ective and consistent enforcement, in order to tackle unscrupulous dealers that trade in stolen metal. T e current regime should be more rigorously monitored with local authorities undertaking checks at registration stage and conducting follow up site visits, with perhaps a national, as opposed to a local licence, being issued – potentially by the Environment Agency / Natural Resources Wales – as these bodies maintain the national register.
Suggestions included strengthening the Act by introducing a ban on the provision of cheque cashing facilities at scrap metal sites and putting greater onus on dealers to make sure that collectors have the appropriate licence.
T e review focused on the question whether the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 should be retained or repealed – the Government has confi rmed that the Act will remain in force, with a commitment to work with local authorities and the police to encourage more eff ective and proportionate enforcement.
In a broader context, it is noteworthy that the reduction in the scale of metal theſt off ences over recent years has occurred at a time when global metal prices have fallen, which will have had the eff ect of reducing the attractiveness of metal to thieves - the Act will be more fully tested as the price and value of metals increases – only time will tell!
It would be very interesting to hear your views on the eff ectiveness of the Act and if you consider whether it is working well in your local area? Contact
network@uroc.uk or call 0333 577 4777.
0333 577 4777
Jenny@watts-legal.uk
SPECIALISTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
watts-legal.uk
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