The social impact of Merseyside credit unions

Showcasing the difference a group of credit unions make to the people they serve across Merseyside.

We commissioned research into the social and economic role of credit unions across Merseyside and, more specifically, the impact of being a member of trusted, stable, reliable community finance organisations, especially at a time of considerable uncertainty for many households. 

The results were clear. These organisations make a significant difference to the people they serve across Merseyside, particularly those in financially vulnerable circumstances. The research found that these credit unions:

• Increase the availability of affordable credit, improving their members’ quality of life and providing a sense of control
• Encourage development of savings habits, helping members build resilience and a financial safety net, enhancing their overall financial stability
• Help retain money in households, saving members between £5.6m to 23.5m per year in interest that would otherwise be paid to higher cost alternatives
• Improve wellbeing and provide peace of mind, with nearly 80% of members reporting experiencing less anxiety and a greater sense of control over their finances  

A blueprint for others

These themes and the others identified in the report are a blueprint for the way financial services need to support people across all incomes and tenures to improve lives and be integral to communities.

Proactively reporting on the difference credit unions make plays an important part in attracting and retaining members, staff and other support to enable them to grow and thrive. It also draws out the different aspects of impact that credit unions can measure and report to provide their members and wider stakeholders with confidence and insight into the difference they make. 

We hope this research will:

• Increase understanding of the impact of credit unions and the people they serve
• Inform the policy, funding and investment environment for credit unions
• Identify opportunities and challenges facing credit unions that the sector and its supporters can seek to tackle together

This research was a collaborative project and we’re grateful to the inspiring credit union leaders who stepped forward and collaborated with enthusiasm and patience, and all their members who shared their experiences with the researchers.