Government Minister ‘deeply Grateful' For Sector's Role In Communities
10th June 2022
Addressing credit union professionals at the ABCUL Conference last month, John Glen MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, highlighted the positive impact the sector have in communities across the country.
The Minister thanked credit unions in his speech for "delivering services that your members, communities, and the country need... providing an ethical home for savings, and affordable loans to those who may otherwise have to resort to high-cost lenders.
"Whether that be through the Pennine Community Credit Union's efforts to provide savings accounts and affordable loans to communities across East Lancashire and Cumbria or Just Credit Union's new education grant to help young people to continue in further education."
Just Credit Union introduced Roger Walker Education Award which assists young people to remain in education. Just Credit Union member, Mim Maclean received a £500 educational grant to apply for student accommodation. Mim said: "I would like to thank Just Credit Union for awarding me this grant. Being autistic, I struggle to share accommodation and can only take up my place if I could afford more expensive studio accommodation. The money will help greatly."
Mr Glen told the conference: "Again and again, the sector has lived its core values, putting people before profit and rising to meet the challenges of our times. Your members relied on you throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, including a lifeline for people to borrow affordably when they needed to most. The government is deeply grateful to you for these efforts."
Steve Barras, Development Officer at Just Credit Union, said afterwards: “We were delighted that Just Credit Union’s community focus was mentioned by the Secretary to the Treasury, because it reflects how important we believe supporting the community is. It is also recognition of the hard work of our entire team who all put members and community first.”
Steve added that the Roger Walker Education Award will be offered again this year with applications opening in July.
