Member Article

Darlington council block access to payday websites

A North East council has blocked all employees from accessing payday loan websites.

From this week, Darlington Borough Council has barred access to more than 130 sites, including computers in public spaces such as libraries.

The council says the move will help prevent people being caught out by high interest rates.

“This is a bold step for us to take, but I believe it is the right one,” said leader of Darlington Council Bill Dixon.

“Payday lenders prey on vulnerable members of society, leading to debts that they find increasingly difficult to pay off.

“In the current economic climate, people may occasionally need a helping hand, but there are other ways to get help, such as credit unions.”

Several other councils in the UK have now undertaken similar moves, including Sutton Borough Council, Leeds City Council and Kirklees Council.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .