Citizens Advice Sandwell & Walsall gets national award for work to stop loan sharks
Citizens Advice Sandwell & Walsall has won national recognition for its work to support the fight against loan sharks by becoming an official accredited partner of the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT).
The branch has helped to raise awareness about Stop Loan Sharks on social media, in waiting rooms and at events and over 70 staff and volunteers have undergone specialist Stop Loan Sharks training to help support those affected by illegal lending.
The IMLT, also known as Stop Loan Sharks, is a national organisation that investigates and prosecutes loan sharks and supports borrowers.
Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, which is hosted by Birmingham City Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome Citizens Advice Sandwell & Walsall as an official partner. We are hugely grateful for the work they do to support us in disrupting illegal lending that causes so much misery.
“Partners like this are an invaluable help in getting these criminals removed from communities, protecting the most vulnerable and making everyone feel a little bit safer.”
Matt Lorimer, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice Sandwell & Walsall, added: “We are delighted that Citizens Advice Sandwell & Walsall has been awarded Partner Recognition by Stop Loan Sharks. As the People’s Champion, a charity working for the whole of society, whoever they are, whatever the problem, we are always looking at new ways of working with partners and excited to have gained this award.
“This can help our residents every day. During 2025 we saw record-breaking numbers – more than 18,000 residents. This will help them to have greater independence, increase finances, and improved health and wellbeing. We look forward to our continued working with Stop Loan Sharks and keeping the message out there to get loan sharks off the streets.”
Many illegal money lenders are well known within their communities and are often introduced to borrowers through friends or family members. They are unregulated and give loans with no paperwork, often adding charges and high interest to loans. They can resort to threats, intimidation and even violence if repayments are not made.
Because these lenders are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, borrowers aren’t protected by FCA rules on responsible lending, fairness in debt collection, the Financial Ombudsman Service, consumer protections that allow cancellation periods, and the right to information about their agreement. This can cause huge amounts of stress and impact other finances – leaving them unable to pay rent or other priority bills. Anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending should call the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline on 0300 555 2222 or access support online at www.stoploansharks.co.uk. The team can also be reached via WhatsApp on 07700 102773.
