CREDIT UNIONS

Early day motion 1173, tabled 12 May 2003 by Kerry Pollard (Labour). Signed by 97 members.

That this House welcomes the growing number of credit unions throughout the country; notes that credit unions offer invaluable help for many excluded families who would otherwise incur high-cost loans or fall prey to loan sharks; further notes that newly formed credit unions have difficulty in covering their running costs, particularly in areas where office rents are high; and calls upon the Government to offer new credit unions practical help and support with initiatives such as business rate relief.

Signatures by party: Labour 69, Liberal Democrat 14, Labour/Co-operative 6, UUP 3, Scottish National Party 2, Conservative 1, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1.