The government should do more to help vulnerable credit card users, it has been suggested.

Recent guidelines to reduce the amount of people who get into debt did not go far enough, highlighted Chris Tapp, director of Credit Action.

He revealed that although the changes went some way to easing the growing debt problem in the UK, they could well have gone a lot further.

"In terms of it being an opportunity to really overhaul the way that the credit card market works, it is a slightly more piecemeal reform from the fundamental change that we think is needed," the expert indicated.

Mr Tapp believes a stronger stance should have been put forward against the unsolicited rises in credit limits, as consumers currently have to opt out of them.

Those who do not want to have to rely on an overdraft have to tell their banks, he emphasised, which may entice people to take financial support they cannot afford to repay.

He continued: "I think we would like to have seen more on minimum payments.

"There's not really been much reform done in that area, only to say that people who are paying the minimum are going to be given more information."

In practical terms, Mr Tapp believes this will lead to people being sent more letters.

The new consumer rights presented by the government are designed to save consumers millions of pounds and give people more control over their finances.

An agreement reached with the credit card companies will mean the most expensive debt is paid off more quickly, giving better repayment plans for new customers.

The government estimates the new rights will save consumers almost £300 million a year and one industry forecast predicts customers will gain around £500 million.