19.06.2015 What would make your community a better place: a vibrant high street, more jobs, improved services, green spaces and a thriving local pub? The government introduced the Community Rights (Localism Act 2011) including neighbourhood planning… Continue reading
News
Improving the financial health of the nation: ideas for the next Parliament
The United Kingdom leads the world in financial services and yet more than two million adult Britons don’t have a bank account. In the autumn of 2014, the Financial Inclusion Commission came together to find out why, and to put the issue on the political agenda ahead of the General Election. Chris Pond explains what the Commission is calling for from the next government. Continue reading
What’s the value of community finance?
The CDFA is just about to launch a new tool, providing a dynamic framework for CDFIs to comprehensively, consistently and clearly report on their social impact. By mapping the value of community finance to all its stakeholders, we can build a stron g compelling case for future investment and support – vital for the sector’s future success. Continue reading
New government = new horizons?
Ben Hughes reflects on the forthcoming election and its implications for our industry. With the three main national parties having an evident commitment to at least some aspects of the work of CDFIs, can we look forward to a time of new hope and opportunity? Continue reading
Just Money – Civil Society Action for Community Finance
David Barclay explains how the Just Money campaign has been working with experts (including the CDFA) to develop a proposal for a Community Finance Foundation, endowed through £200 million of fines on banks and payday lenders over the next parliament. Continue reading
Celebrating 25 years of helping East Mids entrepreneurs
Neil Millington explains how First Enterprise has transformed its lending and business support over a quarter of a century, and why they’re so proud of one of their clients crowned winner at this year’s Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards Continue reading
CIC news: Community Investment Coalition calls for action to ensure FinTech revolution helps tackle financial exclusion
The financial services sector is facing rapid change. New technology and differing consumer expectations are creating demand for financial services that are tailored to individual needs and delivered in different ways. This is creating real opportunity… Continue reading
How do we meet the growing need for affordable credit?
13.04.2015 A new discussion paper by the Carnegie UK Trust has set out the need for a range of affordable alternatives to meet the demand for small sum short-term credit – including CDFIs and credit unions.… Continue reading
CIC news: A Community Investment Coalition letter to the Chancellor
The Community Investment Coalition has today written this letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in response to the Budget: Letter to the Chancellor, 18th March 2015. The letter covers four steps that UK Government can… Continue reading
CIC press release: Financial Inclusion Commission urges UK Government to improve financial health of the nation
The Community Investment Coalition (CIC) has warmly welcomed the Financial Inclusion Commission’s report ‘Improving the financial health of the nation’. The Financial Inclusion Commission’s work has highlighted the vulnerability of private finances and the lack of… Continue reading