LOW INCOME DEBTORS AND POVERTY

Early day motion 257, tabled 2 December 2002 by John Battle (Labour). Signed by 232 members.

That this House notes the extent of debt amongst those on a low income with over three million people entering into debt on their doorstep through extortionate lending; believes tackling debt and financial exclusion must be given priority in the Government's anti-poverty strategy; and calls for coordination of the current fragmentary approach setting departmental policies and actions within complementary strategies to tackle financial exclusion and eradicate poverty, focusing on reforming the Social Fund, tackling extortionate lending and promoting affordable credit through credit unions.

Signatures by party: Labour 157, Liberal Democrat 35, Labour/Co-operative 17, Conservative 13, Plaid Cymru 4, Scottish National Party 4, DUP 1, UUP 1.