December 2, 2014 10.02 am This story is over 110 months old

Payday lenders’ websites banned for Lincoln council staff

Online lending ban: Payday lenders’ websites have been banned from all City of Lincoln Council computers as part of a campaign against high cost borrowing.

Payday lenders’ websites have been banned from all City of Lincoln Council computers as part of a campaign against high cost borrowing.

The authority, which is currently running a ‘Say no to high cost borrowing’ campaign with its Lincoln Against Poverty partners, is urging people to use more affordable credit options.

It is also directing people to debt advice, rather than go to high cost lenders, such as payday loan companies.

Councillor Rosanne Kirk, Portfolio Holder for Social Inclusion and Community Cohesion, said: “The City Council is committed to its priority of helping the poorest people in the city, which is why it has led the way and introduced the Living Wage for the lowest paid members of staff.

“We believe there are more affordable ways of accessing credit where the traditional routes aren’t an option such as from Lincolnshire Credit Union. There are also a range of organisations in the city that can provide money, budgeting and debt advice.

“Payday loans have an extremely high interest rate meaning that even when a small amount is borrowed, a large amount may have to be paid back.

“All our staff are signposted to money advice on their payslips should they be looking for support.”