Widow begins credit card campaign

Mrs Lewis is meeting bank bosses

A widow is campaigning against credit card firms following the death of her husband who hanged himself after running up debts exceeding £65,000.

Stephen Lewis, 37, a married father of two, from Worksop, Nottinghamshire, accumulated the debt on 17 different credit cards.

His wife Susan said he hanged himself after being bombarded with default notices and solicitor's letters demanding payment.

She is backed by her local MP, John Mann, who is calling on banks and lenders to be responsible when offering credit.

How can someone build up so much debt? John Mann, MP

Mrs Lewis said she wanted to highlight the problem of debt in memory of her husband, a production worker at an engineering firm.

"I think if something good could come out of Stephen's death then we will have achieved something worthwhile."

She met Sir Stephen Lamport, group director of public and government affairs of the Royal Bank of Scotland group on Thursday to talk about why the bank was still pursuing her for a £700 debt left by her husband.

The meeting had gone "reasonably well" and the bank had agreed to have a look at her proposals on how much credit people could get, she said.

Legal action

"Change needs to take place, there will be lots and lots of people like my husband out there and they should do more to help them."

But she added that the bank had not offered to write off the outstanding sum.

Mr Mann claimed 11 of the credit companies were still pursuing Mr Lewis for the money he owed them after he killed himself in July 2003.

Our industry has clear rules on treating borrowers sympathetically and fairly if they experience debt problems Association for Payment Clearing Services statement

His wife has also been threatened with legal action over her husband's debts by some firms, the Labour MP claimed.

"Mr Lewis got himself into debt he could not cope with," said Mr Mann, who represents Bassetlaw.

"He started drawing off cash on one card to pay the minimum payment on another."

In the month before he died he had to make minimum payments of between £5,000 and £6,000 and accrued an interest of between £3,000 and £4,000.

Mr Mann said: "There was a brief inquest but the credit debt did not unravel and reveal itself until after the inquest happened."

'Secret cards'

The MP for Bassetlaw asked: "How can someone build up so much debt?

"It is tragic, but it is a tragedy that could be repeated and it is avoidable."

The Association for Payment Clearing Services said in a statement it would look at the how Mr Lewis' borrowing spiralled out of control.

"We share our sympathies with Mr Lewis' family," the statement said.

Downing street letter

"To anyone who feels they are experiencing problems with managing credit, we strongly urge you to talk to your credit card company.

"Our industry has clear rules on treating borrowers sympathetically and fairly if they experience debt problems.

"Card companies should treat anyone with problems in a sensitive and helpful manner."

Mrs Lewis, her father-in-law Terry Lewis and Mr Mann delivered a letter to 10 Downing Street, bringing the situation to Tony Blair's attention.

Mrs Lewis was also due to discuss the issue with John McFall, chairman of the Treasury select committee, and later this month she will meet consumer minister Gerry Sutcliffe.