MP ANNOUNCES PRIVATE MEMBERS' BILL TO CRACK DOWN ON BOGUS HOMEWORKING SCHEMES

9th January 2001

Richard Burden MP (Lab: Birmingham Northfield) who was drawn first in this year's Private Members Bill Ballot, will tomorrow announce his intention to use his Bill to crack down on bogus homeworking schemes. The schemes in question demand payment in advance with promises of lucrative work, which never either materialises or is carried out in good faith and then never rewarded. Thousands of people across the country have been stung by these scams and they are usually targeted at those who can least afford it.

At a press conference in the Jubilee Room at the House of Commons at 10.30 am, Mr Burden will explain the thinking behind the Bill, which is aimed at protecting some of the most vulnerable members of society from the unscrupulous con artists who operate these schemes.

Mr Burden said today:

'I am very proud to be in a position to put this Bill forward. The people who run these bogus schemes have been getting away with it for far too long and this should finally put an end to their activities. These schemes cynically and cold bloodedly target the most vulnerable members of our society; pensioners, carers, the disabled, lone parents, those with learning difficulties or poor communication skills, or anyone who is not able to work outside the home but wants to do something to raise their family's income.

My Bill will make it illegal to take money in advance for outworking schemes, will make it illegal to knowingly advertise these schemes and will give Trading Standards the powers to stop these people and punish them with criminal records and fines of up to £5000.

When my name was drawn first in the Private Members Bill Ballot I was thrilled but also very aware of the responsibility which this position carries. I knew that I had to choose something that would at least stand a chance of reaching the statute books, that would command cross party support, but would at the same time do something very real and positive for the people I represent in Birmingham and communities across the UK.

I know from talking to experts in this area and to the Citizens Advice Bureau in my own constituency that this is a problem that for years has plagued Birmingham and the Midlands, as well as other areas in the country from inner cities to isolated rural areas.

The Bill is backed by the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, and the National Consumers Council and I will be proud to launch it alongside them tomorrow. It has also been welcomed by the Department of Trade and Industry and I am very glad to have Government support on this issue, as well as the strong cross party support represented by my co-sponsors. This Bill is aiming to stamp out a real injustice, which must be equally repellent to politicians from across the political spectrum. I hope, therefore that all parties in both Houses will join me in a campaign to get this simple piece of legislation on to the statute books where its presence is long overdue.'

For further information on the Bill or the Press Conference, please call 0207 219 2318 or page 07666 889780