Pay day loan companies not welcome in Warrington - council leader
10:00am Wednesday 11th September 2013 in News
Pay day loan companies not welcome in Warrington - council leader
PAY Day loan companies are not welcome in Warrington.
That was the message from council leader Clr Terry O'Neill as he called on his colleagues to back his plan to ban access to company websites on all council computers.
And that was endorsed by his colleagues who voted unanimously in favour of a motion at full council calling on the council to stop access to those websites on its computers.
Clr O'Neill (LAB - Burtonwood and Winwick) said: "We all recognize the consequences of a recession is the rising debt in our communities.
"This will send some to payday loan companies. These companies are not welcome in Warrington.
"They are taking advantage of people who are struggling. People can be struck by friendly TV adverts.
"I'd like to pay tribute to our credit unions, we need to encourage those feeling the pinch to go to credit unions instead."
Conservative leader Clr Paul Kennedy suggested the council should put up signs next to computers explaining what decision the council had taken.
The Hatton, Walton and Stretton councillor also questioned whether the move would see Warrington Borough Council the first to take the decision.
A number of councillors questioned whether computers in LiveWire and Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT) venues could be covered under the proposals.
Clr Russ Bowden (LAB - Birchwood) said the council has also had positive conversations with LiveWire who would also look to do the same in its libraries across the town and there were talks with GGHT about them joining the authority.
He added: "I'm not an advocate of censorship and control. But it's right the council makes a stand.
"We should not facilitate them to help residents fall into a trap.
"We have the chance to show leadership."
