A CARER has been inspired by a former colleague of US President Barack Obama to tackle high interest credit companies targeting the poor.

Determined Kath Carter is striving to persuade lenders to cap the amount of interest they charge and offer lower rates to long-standing customers.

Together with other members of Church Action on Poverty, she lobbied finance provider Buy as You View, which charges up to 39.9 per cent interest.

They have joined forces to try to change the law so good credit ratings can be shared, making it easier for people to avoid the high-interest credit trap.

Their story, Buy as You View, will be screened on BBC One in the North-East and Cumbria tonight, at 7.30pm.

Mrs Carter, 61, used to run a successful stall at Stockton market, which she had to give up to care full-time for her husband and son, and is now reliant on benefits.

Mrs Carter was inspired by a programme run by Mary Gonzales who, together with Barack Obama, worked in some of Chicago’s poorest neighbourhoods to highlight the issues affecting the underprivileged.

The course is one of only three in Britain and is organised by Thrive – a branch of Church Action on Poverty.

“I am not a scrounger. I am a carer for two people, but I used to have my own business,”

said Mrs Carter. “I do not believe that those at the top should dictate how others should live, I just want a level playing field for all.”

Graham Clarke, chief executive of Buy as You View, agreed to meet the group from Thornaby Methodist Church, in Stockton, and revealed that he agreed with many of their concerns.

He told the BBC programme he had wanted to make changes to the industry for years.

Because his and other companies do not share their customers’ payment history, they are unable to build up a credit rating.

Mr Clarke thought they should share this information, which would allow them to give lower rates for good payers who could one day climb the ladder to get bank loans at cheaper rates.

“I think this is a great example of where a community has been able to get things together, lobby an issue and make progress,” he added.

• Buy as You View (BBC Inside Out) will be on BBC One in the North East and Cumbria on Monday 25th October at 7.30pm.