New research published for the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) and the car finance specialist Yes Car Credit has uncovered 'worrying ineffectiveness' in the enforcement of consumer credit advertising across the UK.

The report investigated the extent of illegal advertising in the motor finance, consolidation loan and debt management sectors in different areas of the UK and the lack of consistent enforcement. The report found a clear and significant variation in standards of enforcement across the country and argues that the Government needs to take action to address this.

The report found that one in nine advertisements for motor finance in national, regional and trade press flout regulations. Over one in four advertisements in specialist motor magazines were deemed illegal. In certain regions, two in every three advertisements breached the regulations.

Martin Hall, Director General at the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA), responded: "We understand from our members that there are a number of problems in both these areas. The Government is currently reviewing the advertising regulations as part of its review of consumer credit regulation as a whole. We are still waiting for the long overdue proposals from the DTI, which are promised shortly.”