Beware of the Payday Loan Trap
Recent statistics have revealed that millions of UK residents are likely to take out payday loans over the Christmas period and will struggle to repay them.
Money worries are at the highest level ever recorded, there have been calls for tougher regulations around payday loans. Downing Street have said that it is trying to bring in an industry code of practice.
Payday loans are small, unsecured, short-term loans designed to tide people over until they get their next pay packet. In theory it sounds like a good idea as there are times that we need money for emergencies.
If the money borrowed is paid back as agreed on the next pay day, this type of lending can be far cheaper than paying an unauthorised overdraft or a credit card charge. The problem with payday loans is when people cannot afford to repay them. However, if the loans are rolled over, debts can quickly escalate.
There are thought to be about 2,000 High Street payday loan shops in the UK. Some are also pawnbrokers as well, operating out of the same premises.
There are also thought to be more than 100 payday loan companies on the internet.
If you cannot afford the full payment, you can get into a cycle where you’re just paying off the interest.
According to figures release by the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, the number of people running into payday loan debt has increased by 400% over the last 24 months. It says payday loans are too easy to get and it is calling for tighter regulation of them.
Sarah Brooks, director of financial services at Consumer Focus said “We would like to see sensible safeguards put in place to stop payday loan users from getting caught in debt traps,”
Hairdresser Mary Barnes from Manchester took out a pay day loan after she fell behind on her mortgage. She was already overdrawn and over her limit on her credit cards.
”I didn’t know what else to do as all my debts were mounting up, it really was a last resort,” she said.
“I borrowed £500 hoping to pay it back a few weeks later but I wasn’t able to afford it.
“Each month it cost another £74 to renew the loan after a while initial loan of £500 ended up costing me nearly £900,”
David Cameron’s spokesman said the government was working with the industry and consumer organisations on the Payday loan issue. He stated that he was very wary of driving people towards loan sharks by introducing strict regulation.
The Consumer Credit Counselling Service in the UK advised payday loans should be treated as a very last resort. If you find that you can’t repay your payday loan, it is essential that you seek free advice from a debt charity as the situation will escalate.