The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, which gives greater powers to local authorities to tackle scrap metal theft has come into effect today (October 1).
Under the law, every scrap metal dealer is now responsible for obtaining a licence to trade from their local authority, which the council will also have the power to revoke or suspend if the regulations are breached.
Authorities will begin enforcement of the new regulations from December 1, when scrap traders will be required to have a full licence with the relevant local authority but firms have until October 15 to apply for a temporary licence for the interim period while full applications are processed.
This Act is the second piece of legislation in 12 months to target the scrap industry with a view to eliminating the illegal trade in stolen metal, following the passage of the Legal Aid and Sentencing of Offenders (LASPO) Act in 2012 which banned scrap dealers from trading in cash.
Key among the provisions in the Scrap Metal Dealers Act is the closure of a loophole created in the LASPO Act which allows itinerant traders to continue to pay cash for scrap, which many within the industry claimed would undermine legitimate trade.
BMRA
The trade body representing the scrap industry, the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) has described the introduction of the Act as a significant milestone for the metal recycling industry.
Ian Hetherington, BMRA director general, said: The implementation of the new Scrap Metal Dealers Act is a watershed moment for the industry; its an opportunity to rid the industry of the Steptoe and Son stereotype once and for all.
Metals recycling is a British success story; it contributes 5.6 billion to the economy whilst increasing the UKs share of the global market for recycled metals. The industry has led the way in developing sophisticated materials recycling processes and continues to do so by diverting waste metal away from landfill.
Metals recycling has become increasingly modern and professional in recent years. There are major metals recycling businesses operating on an international scale in Britain which make a significant contribution to our economy and help the UK reach the EUs environmental recycling and recovery targets.
Dealers are required to verify and record the identity of anyone from whom they buy scrap metal a move that is intended to discourage the sale of illegal scrap. The new laws will also make it easier for police officers to enter and inspect unlicensed premises, with higher penalties for illegal traders also coming into effect.
The Environment Agency will also be responsible for maintaining a register of all licensed scrap dealers in the UK, which will be made publicly available.
Councils
Commenting on the new regulations, councillor Mehboob Khan, chair of the Local Government Associations Safer Communities Board, said: Metal thefts have had a hugely negative impact on communities, businesses and councils with trains disrupted, precious memorials desecrated, church and library roofs vandalised, schools targeted and road signs stolen.
Much of these stolen goods were ending up in scrap yards and out-dated legislation left councils powerless to act and having to pick up the bill to replace them at a time when funding cuts are putting a strain on their ability to deliver vital services.
This new Act will help tackle this mindless crime and make it easier for councils and the police to both prevent and tackle this criminal activity that causes such damage, distress and disruption.
It is also supported by responsible scrap metal dealers keen to see rogue traders shut down and prosecuted and stopped from bringing their trade into disrepute. From today, we can all work together to clean up the industry once and for all and protect communities from the scourge of metal theft.
The Act, a Private Members Bill, put forward by Conservative backbench MP Richard Ottaway replaces the 1964 Scrap Metal Dealers Act.
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