CCL Requirement

[Saltire]

Hi Everyone, I'm new on the Forum, so forgive me if this question has been asked before.

I am a self employed agent, contracted to a sole trader, who has a contract with a large member organisation to provide services to recruit new members. The organisation has recently decided to offer a credit payment plan for the Annual Subscription for their members and have agreed a 6 monthly payment plan with a Credit Provider who holds a CCL.

My problem is pretty straightforward, can I offer this 6 monthly payment plan to prospective new members on behalf of the member organisation even though the only connection I have with the organisation is through the sole trader with whom I have a contract.

I have ben informed, unofficially, that I may require:

(a) my own CCL or

(b) an agreement with the holder of the CCL

Any advice would be welcome as I am uncomfortable offering this credit payment plan in case I am breaking the law.

[Saltire]

Re: CCL Requirement

OK............was this a difficult question?

I would have thought some "legal beagles" would have had some suggestions, but perhaps the question is too complex. Some 50+ people have viewed the thread and not one answer.................disappointing.

[leclerc]

Re: CCL Requirement

It may not be 50+ people as thread views would take into account search engines rather than individual clicks on the thread.
I don't know that answer but will flag it with site team.

[calamity jane]

Re: CCL Requirement

Office of Fair Trading guide



Do you need a credit licence?




CJ

[Saltire]

Re: CCL Requirement

CJ.........Thanks for the link, I had already read the brochure, but there does not appear to be a clear definition as to whether or not a Licence is required or whether or not I need an agreement from the existing Licence holder.

The situation I find myself in is one which the OFT say they cannot answer individual questions, yet the same people will prosecute if they belief a Licence is needed but will not tell you whether or not one is needed .................strange!!

[pompeyfaith]

Re: CCL Requirement

you only i guess need a yes or no answer so cannot see why they wont tell you specially as it is to there benefit in order for you to comply very strange indeed have you put this to the fsa?

[Saltire]

Re: CCL Requirement

Yes Pompeyfaith it is strange. I have not spoken to the FSA but probably will now that you have mentioned it. I did contact the local Trading Standards Office, but apparently this office does not dispense answers, it just receives calls to forward on to a Trading Standards Officer................wonder if I can get a job here answering the 'phone, doesn't seem to taxing to take someones name, address and telephone number!!

[Angry Cat]

Re: CCL Requirement

Try:
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home

and/or, call the OFT themselves

[Saltire]

Re: CCL Requirement

I'm afraid Business Link is of no use to me...........I'm based in Scotland and the local Business Gateway (Business Link equivalent in Scotland) suggested trying the OFT or Trading Standards.

I did call the OFT but they could not give answers to questions asked about a specific situation and apparently my question is about a specific issue.

I'm just going round in circles, however I am waiting (with baited breath) on my local Trading Standards office calling me......................ho hum!!!

[middenmess]

Re: CCL Requirement

The organisation has recently decided to offer a credit payment plan for the Annual Subscription for their members and have agreed a 6 monthly payment plan with a Credit Provider who holds a CCL.

Read more at: CCL Requirement - Legal Beagles Consumer Forum

Why not contact the Credit Provider--I'm sure that they would not wish to jeopardise their CCL when having indirect dealings with you and should have all the answers.

[Saltire]

Re: CCL Requirement

The Credit Provider has stated they cannot discuss this matter with me as their contract is with the main organisation, who also possess a CCL, but since I am not an employee it would seem I am not entitled to offer credit facilities, but no one can give me a definitive answer, although Trading Standards have indicated I may need a Category C Licence. Is there no one out there who has knowledge of this?