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The cost-of-living crisis shows no sign of abating, and financial hardship is evident across most of U.K. society. Members of our congregations are not immune and are also suffering to a greater or lesser extent. Several initiatives are worth noting and, where relevant bringing to the attention of our congregations.
Credit Unions have been in existence since 1852 and, in the U.K., are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme in respect of balances up to £85,000. Members benefit from lower loan rates and higher deposit interest that credit unions can offer compared to mainstream banks.
The Churches Mutual Credit Union, founded in 2015, includes the Church of England, the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Methodist Church of Britain, the United Reform Church. The CMCU recently launched an initiative aimed at making it easier for members to access its services.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) in a recent report, estimated that approximately £19 billion of annual income benefits is currently unclaimed. This can be a very sensitive area for those who may be struggling financially but are too proud or even unaware of the help that is available. Should we, as treasurers and trustees, be exploring ways of informing church members of these entitlements?
https://capuk.org/news-and-blog/people-missing-out-on-millions-in-unclaimed-benefits#
Unite the union recently produced a report based on a survey of 1,000 faith workers, which it is claimed provides evidence that this group are bearing the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis. From this sample group;
How do we treat our church employees & volunteers? Do we expect too much for too little?
