Demand for payday loans up 55%

Higher food, fuel and energy prices are hitting Britons' budgets and pushing up the demand for payday loans.

Research from price comparison site moneysupermarket.com shows the take-up of short-term payday loans has increased by over 55 per cent since September.

Tim Moss, head of loans at moneysupermarket, said: "The rise in payday loans is astronomical and symbolises just how difficult people are finding it to cope day to day.

"Payday loans can be useful as a short-term credit vehicle. They are a bit like taxis - convenient for short journeys, but if you are going a long way, there are much cheaper ways to travel.

"They should only be taken out when it's absolutely necessary and you are sure you can pay it back quickly. Anyone looking for longer term credit or unable to pay off the debt immediately, should steer clear of them."

He added: "It would be wiser to borrow the cash from family or friends or arrange an authorised overdraft with your bank."

Payday loans have a maximum term of 30 days, with a typical interest rate being 25 per cent per month.

Providers of the loans claim it is unfair to compare the annual percentage rates often over 1,000 per cent as the loans are repaid in less than a month.

"Borrowing £80 for a month and repaying £100 is a better deal than going into your unauthorised overdraft," said Mr Moss.

"Of course, the best solution is to sit down and analyse everything you are spending your money on: Are there any potential savings you can make and is all of your spending essential?

"Then get in the habit of making regular contributions to a high-interest current account, so there is always money available should you need it."