WORCESTER’S MP has scooped a top award in recognition of his efforts to introduce tougher restrictions on payday lenders.
Robin Walker said he felt delighted after receiving the Citizens Advice Parliamentarian of the Year Award 2014 at the Bureau’s 75th birthday reception in the House of Commons.
It follows his work to support cross party efforts to legislate for tighter regulation of the payday loans industry and the high-cost credit market.
Mr Walker worked closely with Paul Blomfield, the Labour MP for Sheffield Central, who was also awarded, to lead a debate, which resulted in the Financial Conduct Authority increasing funding for free debt advice by £3.6 million.
“I am very honoured to receive this award from Citizens Advice, which is a service that I value and respect hugely,” Walker said.
“I was all the more honoured to do so in conjunction with a colleague from another party with whom I have been able to work closely.
“This cross party campaign has rightly been highlighted as a success and it has been a pleasure to work with MPs of all parties to get the job done.”
Gillian Guy, chief executive at Citizens Advice, added: “We have campaigned long and hard for tough rules to force payday lenders to carry out proper affordability checks, offer free debt advice, limit the amount of times that lenders can automatically take cash from people’s bank accounts and place tougher controls on advertising.
“The work that this group of MPs has done to champion these issues in Parliament, has been invaluable in positively influencing and regulating this market and the Government’s plans to introduce a cap on the total cost of credit.”
