Paisley Daily Express Column

Paisley Daily Express Column - 4 Nov 2009

TACKLING THE CREDIT CARD COWBOYS

I recently visited the Paisley Citizens Advice Bureau in George Street. There, I took the chance to sit down with Manager, Stephen Darroch, to discuss the caseload of the centre and our conversation confirmed the scale of the problem of personal indebtedness we’re facing here in paisley.

In our community, like many areas, people are struggling to cope with the levels of debt that credit cards have made it too easy to accumulate.

So I reflected these local concerns in discussions I held with Government Ministers, and last week, I’m glad to say, we saw new moves to deal with credit card cowboys. Time and again in my regular advice surgeries, I hear about sky high charges on credit card bills, credit repayments or the high cost of credit on things like store cards.

It is not acceptable for card companies to impose complicated and frankly confusing terms that leave many of us baffled, or increase interest rates without proper explanation. While of course card users have a real responsibility to manage their finances properly, they need the right information to enable them to do that.

So I welcome the plan the Government set out last week to tackle the credit card cowboys.

The action will mean:

Banning the practice of increasing credit limits without prior consent
Banning unasked for credit card cheques
Placing restrictions on increasing the interest rate on existing debt
Raising the minimum monthly repayments levels to encourage people to pay off their debt faster.
Changing the rules so that the most expensive debt on your credit card is paid off first. (Currently most credit card companies make you pay off the cheapest debt first.)

At my local advice surgery I see the true price that is paid by those with debt problems, from family breakdown to illnesses like depression.

I have raised these concerns with Ministers on behalf of local people, and I’m proud that the Government is now sending a clear message that it’s time for credit and store card cowboys to clean up their act.

If you have debt problems, the CAB may be able to help, they can be reached at: Citizen Advice Bureau, 45 George Street, Paisley or by telephoning 0141-889-2121.

CHANGES TO FAMILY SUPPORT

New changes to Child Benefits which came into affect this week may mean that you are entitled to more support than before.

I’d encourage every parent here in Renfrewshire to check the new payment system to make sure that you are getting all of the benefits to which you and your children are entitled.

The new rules mean that Child Benefit payments will no longer be counted as weekly income when you apply for Housing and Council tax benefit. This means that you could now be entitled to help with your rent and /or Council Tax, even if you have not been in the past.

From my advice surgeries I know that many families here in Renfrewshire can sometimes struggle financially, particularly in the months in the run-up to Christmas.

If you think you may be entitled to further support then you can check your status easily by calling 0141 840 3060 if you are a council tenant or 0141 840 3940 for all other tenancies.

STRIDE WITH PRIDE

I was pleased to hear that the ranger-led Sunday walks around Renfrewshire are back on.

This Sunday walkers were able to stride with pride – with a tour of Paisley and the surrounding area giving a fascinating insight into the town and its history.

The next walk is due to take place on 6th December which will start in Erskine and lead walkers along the Clyde where they can learn more about the area and the wildlife that inhabits this area of the countryside.

These walks are a good opportunity to explore the local area and to learn more about it from knowledgeable guides.

For more information please call the rangers on 0141 884 3794.