Watchdog highlights Debt on our Doorstep campaign
30th September 2003

BBC1's flagship consumer affairs programme, Watchdog, will be highlighting the scandal or extortionate lending TONIGHT.

The 30 minute programme, to be broadcast at 7pm, will focus on the activities of Provident Financial, one of the UK's top 100 companies, and market leader in the supply of 'home credit.'

According to independent research commissioned by Church Action on Poverty and the New Economics Foundation, Provident Financial charges its 1.5 million customers interest rates averaging 185%apr and made profits of over £160 million last year.

Watchdog will feature stories from Provident customers, Richard Murphy, the chartered accountant who undertook the research for CAP, and the Government Minister responsible for consumer credit, Gerry Sutcliffe MP.

The programme will support Debt on our Doorstep's call for an interest rate ceiling in the UK. You can support the campaign, by sending an e-postcard to Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. This is being handled from the Church Action on Poverty website and you can sign up for the campaign here.