WARRINGTON Borough Council is to block access to payday loan websites from all the council’s computers.
From September 23, people will no longer be able to use computers on council premises – for instance in libraries – to sign-up for high-interest loans which council chiefs believe can seduce people into debt and sometimes into serious financial difficulties. 
The ban will extend to two of the council’s partners Culture Warrington and LiveWire.
Council leader Terry O’Neill (pictured) said: “These companies are taking advantage of people who are struggling financially, and that’s just wrong.
“People can be seduced by friendly TV adverts, but it’s all too easy to get into financial difficulties, not least if you’re facing an APR of almost 6,000 per cent. That’s an outrageous rate of interest.
“If you find you can’t repay the loan, most payday loan companies will charge you an extension fee and extra interest. Some of them will automatically renew or extend a payday loan if you don’t manage to make a repayment, and that’s likely to cost you even more in extra fees, interest and charges.
Cllr O’Neill concluded: “We would encourage people who are feeling the pinch to look into alternatives including credit unions. There are several in Warrington and they exist purely to help local people.
“Anyone who needs advice about financial trouble can get it free from charities such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and StepChange or the National Debtline.”
Cllr Russ Bowden, the council’s finance chief, added: “It is a simple step to prevent access to payday loan websites from all council computers. And yet it could be a highly effective one.
“Imagine being the resident or member of staff who tries to access the likes of Wonga and instead gets re-directed to a website promoting responsible sources of credit, such as our local credit unions, or credible options for debt advice and support. That alone might be enough to encourage them to find a solution that is sustainable, genuinely affordable and which avoids them being sucked into a spiral of debt.”
The move to block payday loan websites was backed by all members of the council.
Council to block payday loan websites
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
