Cash for metal scrapped

The Government has announced that a ban on cash transactions for scrap metal could be in place within six months’ time. It said amendments to the Legal Aid Bill to outlaw cash payment for scrap metal, and increase maximum fines for trading stolen metal, were likely to be enacted this autumn.

In its response to a blueprint for tackling metal theft published by a panel of MPs in March, the Government also said it was looking to overhaul the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964. But it ruled out providing more funding to tackle metal theft.

The House of Commons Transport Select Committee report, Cable Theft on the Railway, made seven recommendations for tackling the crime. It called for the Government to provide powers for police officers to inspect both registered and unregistered scrap yards. The Government response said: “Police entry powers will be revisited as part of any future review of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act.” The Committee also urged the Government to provide extra resources beyond the £5m it has funnelled through the metal theft taskforce; while the British Metal Recycling Association called for a more co-ordinated approach from the Government and police.