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Plymouth motor trader refused credit licence

156/04    28 September 2004

A Plymouth motor dealer has had his application for a consumer credit licence refused by the OFT.

Colin Andrew Boundy was imprisoned following a conviction for two counts of tax evasion on 28 March 2002. In applying for a licence Mr Boundy tried to mislead the OFT by falsely claiming that he had been exonerated by the judge and was guilty only by association with his ex-wife.

An adjudicator therefore decided that the applicant was not fit to hold a consumer credit licence and accordingly the application was refused.

In considering fitness, the OFT takes into account a number of factors carried out by the business or anyone involved in running the business including:

• any offence or conviction of violence or dishonesty
• failure to comply with the provisions of the Consumer Credit Act or other consumer protection legislation
• consumer complaints
• evidence of unfair business practices
• evidence of discrimination on grounds of sex, colour, race or ethnic/national origin.

Ray Hall, Director of Consumer Credit, said:

'Tax evasion is a very serious offence, calling into question applicants' fitness to hold a licence, and the OFT will not tolerate people making misleading or false statements as part of their application.'

NOTES

1. The Consumer Credit Act 1974 requires most businesses that offer goods or services on credit or lend money or are involved in activities relating to credit or hire to be licensed by the OFT.

2. The OFT can refuse or revoke a licence if it decides that a trader is not fit to hold one.

3. An adverse determination (a refusal to grant a licence or the revocation of an existing licence) can be appealed to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

4. The Consumer Credit Public Register is maintained by the OFT. The register documents traders that hold a licence and any action taken against them. It also details traders that have applied for a licence. Enquiries can be made to the Consumer Credit Licensing Bureau on 020 7211 8608.

5. The determination to refuse licence number 544459 was published on 16 September 2004. The applicant was Colin Andrew Boundy, Wilson Court, Colebrook, Plympton, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 4AA.

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