Would you like to get your hands on money that has been confiscated from loan sharks? We have teamed up with England Illegal Money Lending Team to encourage community groups to bid for grants of up to £1,000 to help fellow residents avoid the trap of illegal money lenders.
Anyone living in Northampton can bid for loan sharks cash. It could be local residents, charities, voluntary groups, schools or established agencies as long as they can show how their idea achieves one of the following:
- raises awareness of the dangers of using loan sharks;
- promotes safer credit options;
- helps individuals with budgeting and money management;
- reduces crime, disorder and illegal money lending in the Spring Boroughs area.
Liz Percival, NPH Housing Officer told us:
“When we heard about this project we couldn’t wait to get involved. Anything we can do to raise awareness of the dangers of borrowing money from loan sharks will help to protect our residents. I’m really looking forward to seeing the entries and would encourage anyone in the area to get creative and get applying!”
The England Illegal Money Lending Team England investigates and prosecutes loan sharks who often trap borrowers into spiralling debt through exorbitant rates of interest and arbitrary extra charges. When people were unable to pay many will resort to bully tactics such as intimidation, threats or violence.
Tony Quigley, Head of Service for England Illegal Money Lending Team comments:
“Illegal money lenders are a scourge on our communities, and can have a hugely detrimental impact on the lives of their victims. Through schemes such as this, we are able to use this money for something positive and help to prevent these criminals from operating in the future. We would always urge victims of illegal money lenders to seek help by contacting us in confidence on 0300 555 2222.”
To make sure that a number of projects can be funded, groups can apply for up to a maximum of £1,000 per project idea. Groups can submit more than one project idea.
The deadline for application is 31st December and winners will be announced in the first week of January 2017.
The application form contains examples of previous winning ideas and more information on how to apply.
To report a loan shark:
Call the 24/7 confidential hotline 0300 555 2222
Text a report to 078600 22116
E-mail reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
Private message us on www.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject