Debate over payday loan firms on Shropshire library computers
Debate is needed on whether to block payday loans websites such as Wonga from library computers in Shropshire, a councillor has said.
Mike Owen, portfolio holder for resources, finance and support at Shropshire Council, said the authority would have to decide whether the move would be an "appropriate thing to do".
It follows several councils across the country –including Telford & Wrekin – blocking access to the sites of payday loan companies over concerns about the high rates of interest they charge.
The issue is to be raised at a meeting of Shropshire Council on Thursday by Councillor Nigel Hartin, who has submitted a question asking if the authority will follow the lead of six councils in Yorkshire which have blocked access to the websites of payday loan companies.
They now direct internet users trying to access such sites to a financial advice page containing information about credit unions and voluntary sector organisations.
In his written response published ahead of the meeting, Councillor Owen said such a scheme could work in practice, but a decision would have to be taken on whether to approve the move.
"There is capacity within all council-owned equipment to restrict and limit access to any website, although there would need to be debate and policy decisions on whether this would be an appropriate thing for us to do," he said.
"The council currently restricts access for its staff to a number of internet sites to ensure integrity of its ICT infrastructure and protect its employees from inappropriate material.
"Whether this should be the case for Shropshire residents should be treated as a separate issue, giving local people freedom of choice."
In July, Telford & Wrekin Council blocked 66 payday lender websites and was in the process of preventing access to more.
They have blocked the sites from computers that are available for use by the public. The council runs nine libraries in Telford town centre, Wellington, Newport, Madeley, Stirchley, Oakengates, Donnington, Hadley and Dawley.
