Scotland looks to ban cash for scrap trade

The Scottish Government hopes that the move will undermine the trade in stolen scrap metal, and is also consulting on new licensing requirements for dealers, following an initial consultation last year.

Scrap metal firms in England and Wales have been banned from trading in cash since the Legal Aid and Punishment of Offenders came into effect in December 2012 (see letsrecycle.com story).

Commenting on the measures at a visit to St Marys Cathedral in Edinburgh, which has been targeted by metal thieves, Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: With the cost [of metal theft] to the UK economy being put as high as 770 million, the status quo is untenable. This is plaguing communities across Scotland and it must be stopped.

We already know from the responses to our first consultation that there is support for proper regulation and licensing. This consultation today takes a closer look at what form licensing would take.

It is essential that any changes to the regulation of the scrap metal industry protect both the public interest and the interests of that industry.

Licensing

The proposals will expand the existing licensing regime for scrap dealers in Scotland, as well as ensuring that all dealers are subject to licensing requirements.

Commenting on the proposals, superintendent Matt Richards, from Police Scotland, said: “Metal theft is a crime that impacts on all of our communities, and is an issue that Police Scotland treat extremely seriously.

“In addition to causing severe damage to buildings and infrastructure, metal theft also carries a financial penalty for those businesses and organisations that have been affected by it.

“There is an established link between metal theft and serious and organised criminality, and Police Scotland work closely with partners to prevent criminal groups profiting from this illicit trade.

Meanwhile, the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) has said that it is looking forward to working with the Scottish Government on developing new legislation.

Ian Hetherington, director general of the BMRA, said: The BMRA looks forward to cooperating with the Scottish Government to secure a system which is most suited to the scrap metal industry in Scotland for our members.

We are already in discussions with the Scottish Government in order to identify and agree a system for Scotland which works for all involved.