The real vultures at the moment are credit card interest rates....
This only affects those people who buy things they can't afford. If you consider that interest rates are too high, then don't spend beyond your means!
In the old days, if you wanted something you either 'saved up' for it (remember that quaint concept?) or entered into a HP agreement. Whereas the 'want it now' culture and the irresponsibility of credit card companies in letting virtually anyone have a card have lead to people running up huge debts - which they take for ever to pay off and on which the card companies collect considerable interest fees.
Other countries don't allow such financial irresponsibility. And neither should the UK.
As for a pay rise, I hope you do get something. But perhaps a modest pay rise with a large 'danger' allowance for OOA operations would be more appropriate?