I believe it is important to support the debt charity StepChange and other organisations working to help tackle problem debt.

With rising living costs and ruthless payday lenders, many people are finding themselves in problem debt. I believe that we need to do more so people get advice and help sooner so this problem can be avoided.

A Labour Government would tackle exploitative payday loan companies and promote more sustainable forms of personal lending. To tackle household debt we will introduce a new levy on payday lenders, using the funds raised to boost low-cost alternatives like credit unions.

Labour would also provide greater support and advice for people facing debt problems. We would do this by introducing a national programme of ‘social prescribing’ in GP surgeries and primary care which will help people to access debt advice sooner.

Step Change has helped to highlight the need for much greater action to prevent personal debt and improve debt advice services.  I believe we need a Labour Government to address this and to build an economy where people are not drawn into the arms of high-interest lenders.

If I am re-elected on May the 7th I will continue to campaign for measures to help people avoid debt and to help them get out of problem debt.