Urgent Action Needed - Lobby your M.P
6th January 2005

We need your help to make sure the Consumer Credit Bill that is going through Parliament at the moment really protects people on a low-income.The current 1974 Consumer Credit Act is outdated and ineffective at making sure people on a low-income aren't ripped off or exploited by predatory lenders. The Government is planning to pass a new Act before the general election.

But, there are some things missing from the Act.

• Powers for a legal limit to interest rates to be introduced a later date.
• Requirement for lenders to behave responsibly.
• Powers to control the cost of credit through the licences given to lenders.
• Removal of the loop-hole that allows doorstep lenders to 'cold call'.

We need your help to make sure your MP supports these changes when the Bill receives it's second reading on Thurs 13 January. This is the key opportunity for all MP's to have an impact. We have produced a briefing on the amendments we are seeking to the bill and have sent a copy to all M.P's. Now we need your help.

What we want you to do:

• Read the attached briefing on the changes that need to be made to the Bill.
• Find out who your MP is by ringing 020 7219 3000.
• Phone your MP, either at Westminster (switchboard is 020 7219 3000) or their constituency office (should be listed in the front of Yellow Pages).
• Let us know if your MP supports the amendments we are calling for by emailing us

Without these changes it will be another generation before we have another opportunity to change the unjust credit laws.