Scrap metal clampdown moves step closer

A GOVERNMENT BILL which would help the fight against metal theft in Worcester has moved a step closer to coming into force.

Worcester MP Robin Walker said he was delighted the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill had been approved by the House of Commons.

The Bill - which would give local councils powers to license scrap metal dealers and carry out inspections - now needs to secure the backing of the House of Lords before it becomes a law.

The legislation would also give police and councils the power to close down illegal traders and suspend or remove licenses from those who were found not to be trading properly.

Mr Walker, who was a founding member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Prevention of Metal Theft which has pressed for new legislation, said: “Action to tackle metal theft is something that my constituents tell me they want, that the police, the church and the British Legion have been calling for and that will help to keep the trains running and the lights on. What we will have now is a proper ban on cash payments, a proper paper trail for all scrap metal trades and a proper licensing system which can be properly enforced."

Joy Squires, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Worcester, added: "Robin Walker and Lord Faulkner of Worcester have both put tremendous effort into getting the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill this far and I congratulate them both for sticking to the task. It is a great relief that the way is now open for a legal and regulatory framework that will stop scrap metal theft and illegal trading."

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