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Licensing

Licensing

Scrap Metal Dealers Licence

Licence summary

You need a licence from us to carry on business as a scrap metal dealer. There are two types of licence:

  • a site licence – this allows you to carry on business at any site in this authority’s area which is identified in the licence

  • a collector’s licence – this allows you to carry on business as a mobile collector in this authority’s area.

Please note you can only hold one type of licence in any one council area.

Licences are valid for three years.

What happens if I don't apply for a licence?

You can be fined up to £5,000 if you carry on business as a scrap metal dealer without a licence.

Are there any restrictions?

When you make your application, you need to provide a Basic Disclosure Certificate for all applicants, site managers, partners and directors of the business and company secretary (as appropriate) so we can assess your suitability as a scrap metal dealer.

We advise you to apply for a Basic Disclosure Certificate before you submit your licence application, to avoid any delays.

How do I apply?

Complete the application and pay the fee online. You will also need to provide copies of the following:

  • a site map clearly showing the boundary of the site (for site applications only)

  • your Basic Disclosure Certificate (for all applicants, site managers, partners of the business, directors of the business and company secretary as appropriate)

  • a passport-style photograph (for collector applications only)

  • your driving licence or passport (for collector applications only)

  • following new guidance, you are now required to provide an HMRC share code regarding your tax status.
Apply for a Licence Online

We use electronic scanners to check and verify identity documents from all customers applying to access council services. We will scan documents with a product called Trust ID. 

Fees

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Item

Charge
Site licence 3 years £480
Collector's licence 3 years £330
Collector's licence if you have been issued with a collector’s licence by another local council within three months of the application date £289
To make changes to a person involved in a licence £121

Does tacit consent apply?

No. This means you must obtain a licence before carrying on business as a scrap metal dealer.

Appeals and complaints

If you are refused a licence or want to appeal against a licence condition please contact us. If the problem cannot be resolved, you can appeal to the local Magistrates’ court.

Consumer complaint

We advise that consumer complaints are first made to the trader, preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that does not work, further advice is available from Citizens Advice.

For complaints such as noise pollution or one licence holder complaining about another, please contact us for advice.

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