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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Rupert Jones

Credit unions are helping Britons survive – but can they really rival banks?

South Manchester United Kingdom
Girl concentrating on drawing in elementary school classroom
Buying school uniforms is one reason why people requested loans from credit unions, according to Fair4All Finance. Photograph: Cultura Creative Ltd/Alamy

Credit unions have proved a lifeline for many people during the pandemic and cost of living crisis, and now they are being allowed to offer a wider range of products.

Zero-interest loans for people in financially vulnerable circumstances are being trialled, and have so far helped borrowers to pay for items ranging from school uniforms to essential furniture.

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