“Sign up to new code of conduct and ban advertising”, Julian says at launch of new campaign.
Julian Knight, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Solihull and campaigning consumer rights journalist, has called on Solihull Council to get tough on expensive payday lenders.
Against a backdrop of increasing debt and growing controversy over the charges levied by payday lenders, Julian has written to the council bosses and urged them to sign up to a national campaign against the excesses of the payday lending industry. The ‘Stop the Payday Loan Rip Off’ campaign has cross party support and has been signed by a number of councils around the country. Julian has asked that the council debate payday lending and its impact on the lives of people of Solihull as a matter of urgency.
Julian Knight said: "Solihull may have been recently voted the best place in the UK to live but payday lenders are wheedling their way into our community. Payday lenders represent a threat to our community with their eye watering charges and flashy marketing. In my job I have seen up close and personal the damage that debt can do to people’s lives. A payday loan is never an easy option, it can often lead to a world of financial pain."
In addition, Julian is particularly concerned that payday loans are marketed to the young and vulnerable and has called on Solihull Council to refuse to take advertising in their publications or on the side of public buildings during the pre and post-Christmas period.
Julian added: “This has worked in other parts of the country- such as Plymouth - and it would send out a clear message that we want Solihull, wherever possible, to be free from payday lenders."
Julian has started an e-petition in support of his call for a ban on advertising; people can sign up at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/56140.