Council takes on licensing powers for scrap metal

Central Bedfordshire Council is ready to take on licensing powers for scrap metal to help in the crackdown on metal theft.

The new Scrap Metal Act 2013 came into force on 1 October 2013 and requires every scrap metal dealer to have a licence - operating without one will be a criminal offence.

It replaces the previous registration system and under the new legislation the definition of scrap metal dealers is extended so it now includes motor salvage operators too.

Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities, Services, explained the changes. He said: "We’ve been saying for some time that a solution to crack down on metal theft couldn’t come soon enough. This new ability to regulate who is and who isn’t a scrap metal dealer will help to improve operating standards as well as cutting down those who deal in scrap illegally."

"Previously, scrap metal dealers were required to register with us and to keep records of purchases and disposals. Now however, we have been given enforcement powers to revoke a licence and inspect sites to really cut down on any illegal activity. Doing this means that we can protect responsible dealers and improve the reputation of the trade."

He added: "Trade in criminally obtained metal is costing the UK economy around £770 million a year in costs to business and damage to the nation's infrastructure, so this is a step in the right direction. "

Scrap metal dealers will now need to pay a licensing fee. There are two types of licence:

 

• Site licence: All the sites where a licensee carries on business as a scrap metal dealer have to be identified and a site manger has to be named for each site. This licence allows the licensee to transport scrap metal to and from those sites from any local authority area.
• Collectors licence: This allows the licensee to operate as a collector in the area of the issuing local authority. It does not allow the collector to operate in any other local authority area, so a separate licence has to be obtained from each council the collector wishes to operate in. The licence does not authorise the licensee to operate a site; to do so they will need a site licence from the relevant local authority.

Cllr Spurr continued: "It gives us and the police greater powers to take action against metal theft and protect our local businesses and assets. It also will help restore the reputation of the whole scrap metal industry - tarnished by illegal trade involving an unscrupulous minority - so that legitimate, law-abiding and socially responsible dealers can flourish."

 
For more information on the new licensing or to apply for a licence, visit our website.