Responsible payday lending has a place in our society, but some of the payday loan companies are fast becoming the door to door loan sharks of the 21st century.

The knock on the door, the cheap suit, and comforting grin are being replaced by cute gimmicks, catchy jingles and promises of easy and speedy payments on relentless advertising being beamed straight into people’s lounge over TV and radio.

Rebecca co-sponsored a Bill in Parliament, the 'High Cost Credit Bill', put forward by Paul Blomfield MP, which would tighten up rules on pay day loan advertising, introduce lending limits and cap excessive charges.

Giving loans with a representative APR of over 5800% is not responsible. Encouraging people to defer on their payments is not responsible. Targeting vulnerable groups like students and the unemployed is not responsible. These practices need to stop and Rebecca believes this Bill would have gone along way to cleaning up the industry and stopping people falling into the misery of spiralling personal debt.

The Bill, however, was defeated in the House of Commons much to Rebecca's disappointment but Rebecca has continued her campaign and welcomed the recent regualtions that came into force in April 2014, that will see Payday lenders monitored by the Financial Conduct Authority, including new rules that will force lenders to carry out affordability checks on customers. 

If you are suffering debt problems the debt advice charity, Step Change, give out free advice on what is best for you.