Supporting Trading Standards Scotland’s Shark Free Summer Campaign

That the Parliament welcomes the launch of Trading Standards Scotland’s Shark Free Summer campaign, led by the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit (SIMLU), to raise awareness of the dangers of illegal money lending during the school summer holidays; understands that increased household costs during the holiday period can leave families vulnerable to financial exploitation; notes with concern that research commissioned by SIMLU suggests around 300,000 people across Scotland may be at risk of turning to illegal money lenders, while almost 400 reports of suspected loan shark activity were recorded between March 2025 and March 2026, including 26 reports in the Stirling and Clackmannanshire area; recognises what it sees as the devastating impact that illegal money lending can have on individuals and families through intimidation, harassment and unmanageable debt; welcomes the work of Trading Standards Scotland, SIMLU, credit unions, advice agencies and community organisations in providing support to those experiencing financial hardship; encourages anyone concerned about illegal money lending to seek confidential assistance through SIMLU and the wide range of legitimate financial support services available, and wishes the Shark Free Summer campaign every success in protecting communities from illegal money lending.