May 2009:
Launch of the Cross Party Group on credit unions at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood
In much the same way as the All Party Group in Westminster, the CPG will provide a forum for the Scottish credit union movement to voice its concerns direct to MSPs on a regular basis and to ensure the growing political profile of the Scottish movement going forward. The news coincided nicely with a great piece of publicity for our Scottish members in the free, Record PM last Thursday. Distributed to commuters on their way home from work, the advertising wrap around the paper is sure to have the phones ringing off the hook – see pictures attached.
international regulatory round-up
An interesting feature at WOCCU’s site, published recently, offers a round-up of the regulatory world our international colleagues find ourselves in and is definitely worth a read.
Gordon Brown speaks up for credit unions
In Prime Minister's Question Time on Wednesday 13th May, in response to a question from Liz Blackman, MP for Erewash and a member of the Credit Union APPG, the Prime Minister said: "In the Budget we added an extra £18.5 million to help the credit funds. More than 100 credit unions have already benefited from that fund, and more than 150,000 people are being helped. I know that the credit union in my hon. Friend's constituency is a shining example of what is possible, with 700 people obtaining affordable credit. It is making new investment to help people with housing, which is desperately needed in her area. I congratulate her credit union on doing a fantastic job. We want to support credit unions in every part of the country, with both more support and more legislative backing in future."
Moneymadeclear
The Moneymadeclear money guidance pathfinder was launched officially at conferences in Newcastle and Manchester this week. The pathfinders, running in the north east and north west of England should be rolled out to other parts of the country next year.
Financial inclusion champions
Another Government initiative, financial inclusion champions, is nearing completion of its recruitment. A list of all the champions and their contact details can be found here - it’s well worth making contact with your local champions if you haven’t already done so.