Certain money-lending businesses and those offering
goods or services on credit need a licence to operate in
North Somerset.
This consumer credit licence also applies to
certain credit brokers, debt collectors and those who adjust or
counsel on debt.
It is a criminal offence if you trade without these
licences and you could be fined or imprisoned.
The licences are issued by
the Office of Fair Trading
(OFT).
Businesses dealing with first charge mortgages, payment protection
insurance and other types of insurance may also need further
permission to trade.
You can contact the Financial Services Authority
(FSA) for this permission.
For more information visit
the North
Somerset Trading Standards website or
contact our Trading
Standards team.
