Britain | Out of credit

Wonga’s woes spell the end of the payday-loan era

But as short-term lenders go under, Britain’s debt problem is growing

UPDATE Aug 30: Shortly after this article was published Wonga said it was putting itself into administration.

This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “The Wonga paradox”

Peak Valley: Why startups are going elsewhere

From the September 1st 2018 edition

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More from Britain

Illustration of a shadowy hand banging a gavel in the foreground with a double door in the background which is cracked open with light shining through

Britain’s family courts are opening up to reporters

Transparency and privacy can work together

Crew members during the commissioning of HMS Prince of Wales

Has the Royal Navy become too timid?

A new paper examines how its culture has changed



David Lammy’s plan to shake up Britain’s Foreign Office

Diplomats will be tasked with growing the economy and cutting migration

Britain’s government has spooked markets and riled businesses

Tax rises were inevitable. Such a shaky start was not

Labour’s credibility trap

Who can believe Rachel Reeves?