The Treasury may make grants or loans, or give any other form of financial assistance, to any person for the purpose of taking action against illegal money lending.
Taking action against illegal money lending includes—
investigating illegal money lending and offences connected with illegal money lending;
prosecuting, or taking other enforcement action in respect of, illegal money lending and offences connected with illegal money lending;
providing education, information and advice about illegal money lending, and providing support to victims of illegal money lending;
undertaking or commissioning research into the effectiveness of activities of the kind described in paragraphs (a) to (c);
providing advice, assistance and support (including financial support) to, and oversight of, persons engaged in activities of the kind described in paragraphs (a) to (c).
A grant, loan or other form of financial assistance under subsection (1) may be made or given on such terms as the Treasury consider appropriate.
"Illegal money lending" means carrying on a regulated activity within article 60B of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 (S.I. 2001/544) (regulated credit agreements) in circumstances which constitute an authorisation offence.