Anti-payday loans group takes fight to National Assembly

A Swansea based campaign group committed to raising local awareness of the dangers of payday loans and sky-high interest rates has today taken their campaign directly to local AMs Mike Hedges and Julie James at the Senedd.

Earlier today, the Labour AMs met with Swansea Bay Fair Credit campaigner and Bonymaen mum Serai Hann, along with Bonymaen Baptist Minister Revered Chris Lewis and Swansea Councillor and Cabinet Member Mitchell Theaker to discuss the current progress and future of the anti-payday loans campaign in Swansea.

The Senedd meeting follows on from the launch of the Swansea Bay Fair Credit group, which took place at the National Waterfront Museum in September. The group, which is led by local mums with first-hand experiences of using payday companies, campaigns to raise awareness among Swansea families of the dangers of payday loans and high interest rates, as well as works to promote financial alternatives to using high street lenders.

Speaking from the Senedd, Swansea East AM Mike Hedges said:

“I’m delighted to welcome the Swansea Bay Fair Credit group to the Senedd to discuss the progress and future of this terrific local campaign, that is already making a difference to people’s lives.

“With Christmas approaching and with many Swansea families already feeling the pinch from high energy prices, it’s disgraceful that these companies are coming into our communities to take advantage of people’s financial circumstances and struggles. 

“The message to people is simple: there are cheaper and more affordable alternatives available to help you. Please get in touch with either your local credit union or with Moneyline Cymru for information on services available, free advice and support.”

Serai Hann, a resident in Bonymaen and a leader from the Swansea Bay Fair Credit team, said:

“It was great to come to the Senedd and see how working with our local AMs can really help move things along. We’re really excited to have their support as it will help us to get to our aim of spreading access to fair credit, and that will really help people like me and my friends and family.”