1. Illegal Money Lending in Sligo Presentation at RAPID National Event February 8th 2012

2. Illegal Money-Lending in Sligo The Problem The Response - CAILM - who, how, where, what Three Pillars of Action Education and Prevention Alternatives to IML Enforcement Service Integration and Collaboration - the improvements Recommendations for Future Action

3. Defining the Problem Presence of ILM “agents” in Sligo Town Provide loans from €20 up to thousands – a loan culture Charge interest of over 200% (borrow €10; owe €30) – a cycle Extort money with menaces + huge debts + worries Crime not to provide lending agreement, business premises and causing distress/alarm in repayment of debt Agents hold Social Welfare Services cards in lieu of debt Associated with assaults, intimidation, theft and damage to property, other criminal activity. Prey on vulnerable, young and those on low income Involve extended family 2010-11 New victims who have money troubles

4. Communities Against Illegal Money-Lending (CAILM) Membership includes: RAPID AIT Gardai LA Elected members Sligo Borough Council Housing Section Focus Ireland MABS Credit Union Community Services providers Sligo Social Services Community reps

5. Three Pillars of CAILM Education & Preventative Schools Poster competition Press coverage Letters to politicians Presentation to JPC School Book Scheme campaign “Lennies” Leaflet Promotion of MABS and budgeting /debt counselling at early stage Alternatives to IML Community Bank in Cranmore Promotion of Credit Union and savings culture through campaigns Promotion of MABS and budgeting /debt counselling at early stage Enforcement Information flow to support Gardai New Garda unit to investigate reports

6. Service Integration Partnership is Key – Shared Resources/Knowledge/Expertise. Community Led and Community Focused. Financial Inclusion – Community Bank. Alternatives and Savings Culture. Influence of CAILM on MABS work – Reporting, Sharing, Collaboration, Grounding, Social Policy.

7. Where to Now? Community Education – Targeted and Mainstream (School System) Conviction – Gathering Evidence? Community Banks- Savings Culture. Leadership – RAPID Political Intervention for legislative change No Quick Fix – Ongoing Project. UK model of good practice

8. Contact Details of CAILM Pamela Andison RAPID Co-ordinator Sligo County Council Tel. 071 9114468 pandison@sligococo.ie