At tonight's full council meeting the Tory group of councillors spoke against a labour group motion seeking action against pay day lenders. (See below)

Subject: Full council tonight - the conservative group support pay day lenders At tonight's full council meeting the Tory group of councillors spoke against a labour group motion seeking action against pay day lenders. (See below) It came as a surprise that the conservative group suggested that the motion was denying people's rights to make their own decision, that it was a breach of their human rights. They stood by their views that pay day loans were useful and could help people, even despite the acknowledgement of the very high interest rates. The labour group presented examples of where individuals had encountered severe financial situations and the views of a number of voluntary and church organisations on how cruel this benefit reduction was impacting our most vulnerable members of the community. The motion was passed via a named vote supported by labour and liberal councillors. "The rising cost of living and falling income is causing genuine problems for people with their finances. Among those who borrow from high cost credit companies on average borrow around £326 per month. The interest paid on this money is punishing; many are unable to make the repayments. This Council invites Cabinet to block access to Payday loan websites through the public PC's in libraries and other Council buildings across North Tyneside and from its employees' computers unless and until the industry, including its advertising practices, is effectively controlled. This Authority pledges to investigate the use of planning law to regulate the growth and spread of Payday loan companies and pay weekly furniture providers who force maintenance and insurance agreements on customers, on our high streets. This action should be taken to enable the Authority to protect people from taking out high interest loans from companies that fail to check that they can repay the loan, often leading to them becoming trapped in a spiral of debt. This Council is committed to strongly support recognised Credit Unions within our Area as a sustainable alternative to high cost, short term credit. We also call on the Government to legislate and effectively regulate Payday lenders and protect our communities from the growth in easy debt to bring closure on austerity as early as possible".

Wallsend ward councillor Gary madden has raised concerns on behalf of his constituents, about the announcement for the possible closure of Wallsend fire station by Tyne and Wear fire authority. He has spoken to the elected mayor norma redfearn, and has been given assurances that there will be a full and open engagement process, before the fire authority make their decision. Councillor Madden

Wallsend ward councillor Gary mmdden has raised concerns on behalf of his constituents, about the announcement for the possible closure of Wallsend fire station by Tyne and Wear fire authority. He has spoken to the elected mayor Norma Redfearn, and has been given assurances that there will be a full and open engagement process, before the fire authority make their decision. Councillor Madden said, " I will be working hard to engage with residents and businesses to seek out their opinions, in particular to the impact assessments around a vibrant north bank of the Tyne full of engineering activity. The Wallsend area has always had a fire station as a consequence of the high number of homes and the vast array of industrial companies in the area. It is also important for inward investors to know they have essential public services nearby to mitigate potential business risks. I hope that the consultation period enables the views and opinions to be seriously considered before a decision is finally required and I know that this is a vital public interest matter that needs to demonstrate openness and honesty throughout the whole process"