Stop Illegal Lending

That the Parliament welcomes the launch of the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit’s new StopIllegalLending.co.uk website, which will provide advice and support to people on the issue of illegal money lending and loan sharks; understands that many people have experienced financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and that many illegal lenders have moved online, using social media adverts and messages to take advantage of those who are most vulnerable; further understands that loans from illegal lenders can end up costing three times as much as a legal loan, and believes that raising awareness and providing support and advice is essential if we are to reduce the impact of loan sharks on the lives of people in Scotland.