January 10, 2014 11.05 am This story is over 127 months old

Lincoln groups can bid for share of confiscated loan shark money

For communities: The County and City councils are offering confiscated money to community groups in Lincoln in order to improve their areas.
| Photo: Petr Kratochvil

Community groups in Lincoln are being encouraged to bid for a share of cash confiscated from illegal money lenders .

The Loving Your Community scheme by England Illegal Money Lending Team in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council Trading Standards and City of Lincoln Council’s Neighbourhood Teams will allow community groups to bid for up to £250.

The money, taken from the likes of loan sharks that were investigated and prosecuted, can then be used to improve the community.

Local residents, charities, community and voluntary groups, schools and statutory agencies benefiting the Moorland, Birchwood and Hartsholme areas in Lincoln are being encouraged to apply.

Projects the councils will offer funding for must cover one or more of these points:

  • Contributes to raising the awareness of the dangers of using ‘loan sharks’
  • Promotes professional credit options to people at risk of using ‘loan sharks’
  • Promotes financial management or budgeting to people at risk of using ‘loan sharks’
  • Reduces crime, disorder and illegal money lending in the local area

Applicants need to apply by 9am on January 20, then the project will  be showcased at an event on February 14, so the public can choose their favourites, as well as picking online.

Nick Dawes, Trading Standards Service Manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “These events are a great way to use the criminals’ money to make a difference in your community.

“We know many people suffer at the hands of loan sharks and it can be difficult to seek help, so using some money to get people thinking about loan sharks is one way of encouraging people to come forward.”

Tony Quigley, Head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, added: “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.”

For an application form for the funding or information, contact [email protected].