Money advisor Tim Lett helps Inside Money investigate

First National Bank is one of Britain's leading lenders. It is owned by Abbey National, and specialises in lending money to pay for things like home improvements and furnishings.

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It has more than four million customers and a growing chorus of critics who say its business strategies penalise vulnerable borrowers.

Tim Lett is one of the country's leading experts on money advice.

He believes First National's heavy-handed tactics cause great anxiety and uncertainty to customers.

He is so angry about the company's behaviour he has decided to join Inside Money to investigate its controversial practices.

Case study

Dave and Joan McNevin have had their lives turned upside down by First National.

They borrowed �1,100 in 1991 to double glaze the window in their front room.

Because of the way First National treats customers, a decade later, their debt has grown to more than �8,500 pounds.

The McNevins are selling the house they have lived in for 23 years to clear it.

How did this happen?