Government ‘can do more’ to tackle loan sharks

Debt counsellor Malcolm Hurlston told Sky News that the success of an anti-loan shark scheme in Birmingham meant that it ought to be expanded.

“It is true that the poor pay more for everything and therefore it is important to try to find measures that make it easier for them,” Mr Hurlston said.

“As far as loan sharks are concerned, there is scope for doing a great deal more.”

He proposed that credit unions are “one possible answer” as a means of debt help for the poor and called for expansion of such schemes, particularly in England, where usage is lower than in Scotland and Ireland.

Loan sharks typically offer high interest rates, which can push people further into debt.

However, debt help does exist, often given freely, which should provide an alternative to such dubious practitioners.