Milton Keynes free loan shark advice events this summer

Free drop-in events are being held across Milton Keynes this summer to help residents spot illegal money lending, talk through financial worries and find safer support close to home.

The programme runs on selected dates from Wednesday 3 June to Wednesday 15 July, with sessions at Lidl foyers, community larders, Wolverton Library and neighbourhood walkabouts. There is no listed charge, and residents do not need a booking to drop in.

The events are aimed at anyone worried about money, anyone who thinks they may have been affected by a loan shark, or residents who want to understand the warning signs before a problem develops.

Free sessions across Milton Keynes in June and July

The summer programme of events to support residents and tackle loan sharks is part of the ongoing Operation Sharknet campaign. Milton Keynes City Council is working with the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), Thames Valley Police, SOFEA Community Larder and Acorn Community Bank to bring advice into local venues rather than asking residents to seek it out elsewhere.

Advisors will be available to explain how illegal lenders operate, what warning signs residents should look for, and what safer, more affordable financial options may be available. The source notice says support will also be available for people who are already concerned that they, or someone close to them, may have been targeted.

Cllr Saleena Raja, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said financial pressure can affect anyone and that loan sharks often target people when they are at their most vulnerable. She encouraged residents who are concerned, or who simply want to understand their options, to come along and have a conversation.

Dates, times and locations confirmed so far

The first event took place at Lidl in Brooklands on Tuesday 2 June, where Cllr Raja joined partner organisations and the Stop Loan Sharks mascot to raise awareness and speak with residents.

Who should consider attending

The sessions are open to the general public, with a particular focus on residents who are under financial pressure, have borrowed from someone they are now worried about, or want to know what legal and safer borrowing support looks like.

Illegal money lending can be difficult to identify at first because it may begin informally, including through someone known locally. The council notice says advisors will focus on practical guidance, including warning signs and routes to confidential support.

The IMLT was set up in 2004. According to the source notice, it has secured around 434 successful prosecutions, with illegal lenders sentenced to more than 618 years in prison. More than £92 million in illegal debt has been written off, and around 33,000 borrowers have been supported.

Confidential support is available at any time

Anyone affected by illegal money lending is encouraged to seek help even if they cannot attend one of the Milton Keynes drop-in sessions.

Support is confidential and available 24/7 through the Stop Loan Sharks helpline on 0300 555 2222. The source notice also lists support through www.stoploansharks.co.uk, live chat via the website, and WhatsApp on 07700 102773.

Source: Milton Keynes City Council