Consumer groups have welcomed a new government white paper, which looks set to ban credit card cheques from being sent without prior agreement.

The cheques have long been controversial, with many debt charities arguing that they push already vulnerable people further into financial trouble. The cheques are often sent to customers completely unsolicited and many are apparently unaware that the rates of interest would be much higher than on their normal card.

The cheques had been previously criticised by the Office of Fair Trading who called for more transparency from card companies and warned consumers that they may be paying millions in extra interest payments each year.

"Credit card companies have been able to get away with these irresponsible practices for fair too long. This will send a clear message that there is no going back to the irresponsible lending of the past,” said a consumer protection specialist.