Scrap metal cash payments have been banned at recycling yards in a bid to combat metal thefts. The Association of Chief Police Officers calculates that metal theft costs the UK economy £770m per year. A parliamentary bill, tabled by Richard Ottaway MP, aims to bring in licensing for scrap metal dealers. However, the British Metals Recycling Association — which has been supporting the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill — contends that a cash ban alone will not cut metal theft.