Debt problems with payday loans
Leighton’s Citizens Advice Bureau is seeing a worrying increase in the number of serious debt cases related to payday loans,
The Bossard House, West Street-based CAB provides specialist help to people with multiple debts who need help over a period of time.
Kate Cook, money adviser, said: “In my own casework the number of clients with payday loans has risen from 2 in 2011 to 28 in 2012.”
The CAB also helps a much larger number of people with payday loans through its generalist advice service.
Advice given by the CAB includes which debts to prioritise, a client’s right to stop payday lenders taking money straight out of their bank account and negotiating a manageable repayment plan with the lender on a client’s behalf.
In November last year a new payday lending Customer Charter was issued. This charter gives customers enhanced protections when taking out a payday or short-term loan.
Citizens Advice is calling on people who have taken out payday loans since November to take part in a national survey to monitor whether payday lenders are sticking to their self-regulating charter.
A link to the survey plus more information about payday loans can be found at: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk//pay_day_loans.
Citizens Advice will report initial findings from the survey later in the year.
Anyone who is experiencing difficulties with a payday loan, considering taking one out, or who has other debt problems, is encouraged to visit the CAB and seek advice.
Leighton’s opening hours for drop-in clients are Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm and also on a Monday only 4pm – 6.30pm.
Or go to www.leightonlinsladecab.org.uk for more details.
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Leighton Buzzard
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 13 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: East
