Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust has welcomed the passage of the Report Stage and the Third Reading of the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill.
Claire Walker said: “The National Churches Trust welcomes the passage of the Report Stage and Third Reading of the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill in the House of Commons today, 9 November 2012. It was gratifying to see cross party support for the Bill and the incorporation of sensible amendments which will strengthen the effectiveness of the legislation. I am sure that churches of all denominations throughout the country are grateful to Richard Ottoway MP for introducing his Private Members Bill and for working so hard to ensure its support by MPs on all sides of the House of Commons. ”
“The cost of replacing lead roofing can be crippling for places of worship. Although the incidence of metal theft from churches has fallen over the past few months, the National Churches Trust is still receiving many requests for funding to replace and repair roofs affected by metal theft. The Scrap Metal Dealers Bill will help local authorities to crack down effectively on unlicensed metal dealers and aid the police as they seek to deal with the criminals involved in the theft of lead and other metals from churches. We look forward to the Bill completing its passage through Parliament and becoming law and implemented as soon as possible.”
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