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12 October 2006
Former cabinet minister David Blunkett has called for more government action to help poorer people out of debt.
In a pamphlet published by the Resolution Foundation, the ex-work and pensions secretary calls for action to prevent people getting into bad credit situations.
The Guardian quotes him as saying: "A progressive agenda for social inclusion and greater equality must assist people in permanently lifting themselves out of dependency and reliance on costly credit."
He cited the examples of people who had to use credit to pay short-term contingencies, such as sudden replacements of household appliances, unemployment or marriage break-ups.
These people, Mr Blunkett said, were particularly vulnerable to getting into bad debt, hence, he argued, the government should back community-based partnerships where borrowing is aimed specifically at investing in improving people's long-term prospects.
Various studies recently have highlighted Britain's debt problem, with the average Briton now owing £3,000, according to analysts Datamonitor.
If you're worried about debt and want to know where you stand financially order your credit report today.
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