News
MP makes a Splash at Coastal - November 2007
Customer Service Manager Claire Churchill shows Mr Plaskitt the specialist Credit Union accounts program
James Plaskitt MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary for the DWP, and Mark Lyonnette, CEO of ABCUL (the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd) visited the offices of the newly formed Coastal Credit Union at the start of the Labour Party Conference to meet staff and see the difference a credit union is making locally.
Coastal Credit Union was formed from the merger of three smaller local Credit Unions in the area. Thanks to grants from local authorities, the Big Lottery and the Esmee Fairburn Trust it has been able to employ Outreach and Development Workers and has started to develop relationships with local Housing Associations, Money Advice Workers and members of the councils who want to see increased prosperity for all members of society.
During their visit, James and Mark heard about the Credit Union's plans to expand their services to the whole of the Bournemouth/Poole conurbation (and particularly areas of lower income levels) in order to provide a safe way to save and a cheaper way to borrow, as well as offering financial education to the young and budgeting advice to those who are vulnerable to high interest doorstep lenders.
To help achieve these goals, Coastal have applied for funding to employ a Co-ordinator to work even more closely with the Housing Associations and Money Advice Workers. They will also be applying to the DWP for funds to participate in Government initiatives to expand the provision of affordable credit to all.
Mr Plaskitt said of his visit; "I am really happy to visit Coastal Credit Union here in Boscombe. I am delighted with the progress of the newly merged organisation which is carrying out important work in the Community. I look forward to watching it expand in the future".