With all the pressures on families, it is no wonder many are slipping into debt.

But while borrowing is a convenient, short-term solution, it can store up trouble in the long-term.

In previous years, easy credit from stores has exacerbated this problem. Now it seems, there has been a reversal in thinking, with stricter checks on customers applying for store cards.

When an Oxford Mail reporter tried to secure store cards, she experienced far more stringent checks than in previous years.

Four years ago we managed to rack up more than £4,500 of debt during just a couple of hours shopping in the city centre.

This year we could only get £650 of credit before being politely turned down.

If tougher checks help keep more people out of the clutches of debt, this can only be a good thing.