Councillor Roger Lawrence, Leader of Wolverhampton City Council, said: "The city council has agreed to block access to payday lenders' websites through council owned computer terminals".

"We are also looking at other steps that we may be able to take, such as restricting advertising."

"The soaring cost of living has provided easy prey for these firms whose total annual lending has more than doubled from £900 million in 2008 to £2 billion. These lenders are justifiably being criticised heavily for irresponsible lending."

He added: "The city council would encourage individuals or families who are seeking short time financial support to contact the Wolverhampton City Credit Union, which is able to offer affordable loans to Wolverhampton residents at much lower interest rates than payday lenders."

Based in 73 Worcester Street, Wolverhampton, the Credit Union already has 4,500 members. For more information, please contact Wolverhampton City Credit Union on 01902 572340 or visit Type=links;Linkid=2186;Title=Wolverhampton City Credit Union;Target=_blank; .

  • released: Wednesday 31 July, 2013