30 year Anniversary Event
Wirral Credit Union celebrate 30th anniversary with a special offer for new members
We are celebrating our 30th anniversary by offering new members a £30 bonus if they open an account during November and save for three months.
We have continued to provide a financial lifeline to many people during the pandemic and cost-of living crisis. We have helped improve members’ financial wellbeing by providing access to low-cost loans and savings facilities for people who might otherwise find themselves excluded from mainstream lenders.
Founded in 1992, we are committed to helping members build strong financial futures by encouraging regular saving and responsible borrowing.
The incentive scheme is available to new members living in the CH postcode area who open a savings account and make three consecutive monthly deposits (minimum £10 per month).
Wirral Credit Union prides itself in helping members to achieve their financial goals. From loans for household items, white goods, holidays and family events, to big expenses such as Christmas and weddings, the credit union have provided over £50 million in small loans to their members.
Steve Kendrick, CEO of Wirral Credit Union, said: “We have provided ethical savings and loans services to more than 3500 members for over three decades, and sadly we’ve heard stories of people who have fallen into the hands of loan sharks.
“Many loan sharks will resort to bullying tactics, such as intimidation, threats and even violence to enforce repayment, and often won’t set an interest figure or have any form of paperwork.
“We want to make loan sharks history in our borough, so we’re delighted to offer this incentive to show people there is a better, safer and more affordable way to manage their money.”
“We look forward to the next 30 years as we aim to help even more people within our common bond to save today for a brighter tomorrow.”
Money that has been confiscated from convicted loan sharks will be used to back the new credit union accounts in Wirral, thanks to a new partnership with the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT).
Loan sharks are criminals who lend money without permission from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). They charge extortionate interest rates and trap people in a spiral of debt, often resorting to threats and violence to enforce repayment.
Tony Quigley, Head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “Loan sharks’ prey on people’s desperation – they offer nothing more than a vicious cycle of debt and misery in return.
“As the cost of living continues to rise and exploitative loan sharks prey on hardship, it’s vital that we work together to protect consumers from illegal money lending and make people aware that there is an ethical, local, not-for-profit alternative available.
“We want to help families build up savings and create a better financial future. As part of our commitment to helping local communities, we’re pleased to have partnered with Wirral Credit Union to offer this new incentive.”
The Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Jeff Green, attended Wirral Credit Union’s 30th anniversary celebratory event at their Wallasey branch on Monday 7th November.
Residents are encouraged to find out more about their local credit union and how they can get benefit from ethical, quality financial services. Visit www.wirralcu.org.uk
Anyone with concerns about loan sharks can access confidential advice and support by calling the Stop Loan Sharks 24/7 Helpline on 0300 555 2222 or visiting www.stoploansharks.co.uk