News items
This page contains a selection of news items relevant to social enterprise at national, regional and local level. Details of funding opportunities and grant-making bodies can be found in the Support section. We endeavour to keep this page up-to-date but if you know of a piece of news that would be useful to share, please email info@wssen.org.uk
04/05/10 Sign up to support Better Banking
Better Banking is asking low-income communities, third sector organisations and small businesses across the UK to sign up and pledge their support for fairer and more affordable banking. Around 6 million people cannot access mainstream credit, often due to having no credit history as opposed to a bad one, and have no choice but to borrow at exorbitant interest rates, leading to spiralling debts. We call upon all government leaders to commit to:
• requiring banks to publicly disclose where they are lending and providing services, i.e., how much and to whom, including in respect of small businesses;
• provide incentives and obligations for banks to serve social responsibilities, along the lines of the US Community Reinvestment Act;
• capping the amount that can be legally charged for credit;
• and reinvesting 1% of banks’ profits for public benefit.
Better Banking wants a financial sector that supports those needing the most help, and enabling them to become financially independent, to build savings and pensions, and to have every opportunity to improve financially and economically. They are looking for a system that actively encourages financial institutions to engage with low income communities, third sector organisations and small businesses. To sign up supporting the campaign and to see who has already signed up visit http://betterbanking.org.uk/