aAh! Magazine
You are here: Home / News / Backlash Against Payday Lenders
News

Backlash Against Payday Lenders

7th September 2013 By 0 141

Words by Neil Harrison


A nation-wide backlash against payday loan lenders is set to get underway today (Saturday, September 7th) as a wave of protest hits the streets of many major towns and cities across the UK. The action, which is being co-ordinated by The People’s Assembly, will see high street branches of certain high-interest loan companies occupied by protesters.


The move comes as it was revealed this week that one payday loan company, Wonga, makes over £1 million in profit per week at, it is felt by many, the expense of some of the most vulnerable in society. According to the organisers of today’s protest,


“The interest that these outfits charge the poorest is robbery – but not considered a crime. This Saturday the People’s Assembly is encouraging peaceful occupations of high street payday loan shops to expose these companies for what they really are – thieves who prey on the poorest.”


It is understood that the action in Manchester is set to be filmed by documentary makers from BBC3.

Occupied today?: A Manchester loan shop

They are particularly keen to hear from young people aged 18-30 who may have been adversely affected by this type of money-lending service.



The protest will meet at Market Street, Piccadilly at 1pm before moving on to occupy the city’s loan shops brandishing props and banners. For more information on this and more events, visit the People’s Assembly Facebook page.



If you are having difficulty with loan companies or spiralling debt, support can be found at The Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Neil Harrison is studying Social History at Manchester Metropolitan University, he is an aspiring journalist and a terrible guitar player. Follow him on Twitter @looseriver

About the author / 

aAh!

aAh! Magazine is Manchester Metropolitan University's arts and culture magazine.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • 11th June 2026

    LANY @ O2 Apollo gallery – glowing bright, even when the light fades

    Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan American dream-pop duo LANY bring the Soft World tour to Manchester’s 02 Apollo, in celebration of latest record Soft. In tow is emerging alt‑pop force Maisy Kay and Los-Angeles alt‑rockers Weathers, for a night of shimmering pop force. Opening the night, Maisy Kay commands the stage in a shimmering…

  • 11th June 2026

    Q&A: Finn Forster: “I’d have been the best milkman in the world!”

    Featured image and gallery: Sally Stretch Fresh from a whirlwind run of sold‑out UK dates and a month of writing in the States, indie singer-songwriter Finn Forster sits down before his headline show at Manchester’s illustrious Deaf Institute to talk life on tour, new music, and the Teesside roots that keep him grounded. Have you…

  • 9th June 2026

    Peter Hook & The Light @ Manchester Academy review – Celebrating 50 years in music

    Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Peter Hook & The Light play a one-off, sold-out show at Manchester Academy to celebrate Hook’s 50 years in music. Opening the night are the Buzzcocks, the legendary Manchester punk pioneers whose influence on the late 1970s punk scene remains undeniable. Aware of the crowd’s expectations, they launch straight…

Latest Articles