Investigation and information-gathering powers

We gather information on prospective and existing licence-holders during the application process. The application form asks for information relevant to fitness to hold a licence. If we need more information, we can ask the business for this information at the application stage.

From 6 April 2008 we have improved investigation and information-gathering powers. We can request information or documents from traders at any time during the lifetime of a licence, rather than just when they are applying for the licence.

In addition, licence-holders will have to notify us of certain changes to their circumstances.

In certain circumstances, the Act also gives us the power to enter premises, for example to inspect documents, or obtain warrants to search premises and seize information. When appropriate, we will delegate these functions to Local Authority Trading Standards Services.

If there are any queries, these should be addressed to credit.guidance@oft.gsi.gov.uk.

Back to: Consumer Credit Act 2006