Credit Unions
A Credit Union is a profit sharing, democratically run financial co-operative which offers convenient savings and low interest loans to its members.
The members own and manage their credit union themselves. In most of the world, credit unions are well established. Credit unions are steadily increasing throughout the UK in both communities and the work place such as Police Forces, British Airways and the Fire Service.
The three main aims of a credit union are:
-
To encourage members to save regularly.
-
To provide loans to members at low rates of interest.
-
To provide members with help and support on managing their financial affairs (if required).
Benefits of a credit union:
-
It is an easy and convenient way to save and borrow
-
It offers low cost loans
-
Insurance at no direct cost
-
It's a way to learn new skills.
The credit union can provide a focal point for a community by bringing people together to work alongside each other for their own benefit and for the benefit of the community as a whole.
It can help to revive the local economy by keeping money in the community. Loans to members can mean income for local businesses and shops.
For more information, visit the following websites:
