Better Banking is counting on your case studies

The Better Banking campaign which works to ensure that fair and affordable finance is available to the least well off communities is looking for potential case studies to profile around the media. Entries should focus around entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, individuals or groups from socially excluded communities or local communities where people have spoken out at a lack of affordable credit. The campaign, whose key stakeholders include Coalition members' Urban Forum and BASSAC, are hoping to profile these case studies at a launch event next week, so applications needs to be in as a matter of urgency.

Case Studies required

Small businesses/entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds (i.e. young, old, various ethnic groups, male and female) that have:

  • struggled to get off the ground as a result of limited access to credit from the major banks and have found support through community banks and/or the third sector
  • decided to switch from a major bank in favour of a community bank or third sector lender
  • been rejected credit from a major bank and turned to high-interest loan sharks for instant funds

Individuals or groups from socially excluded communities including those in poor housing, struggling from old age, ill-health, and physical and mental disabilities, particularly women, minority ethnic groups, homeless, that have:

  • been unable to access a bank account from a major bank and turned to community banks and/or the third sector
  • been unable to access a bank account from a major bank and had problems in accessing basic essential services including direct debit, PAYE, preferential rates on electricity, telecommunications
  • been rejected credit from a major bank and turned to door-step lenders / high-interest loan sharks for instant fund
  • live in a community which does not have access to banking facilities and have had to turn to door-step lenders / high-interest loan sharks to access funds

 Local communities

  • local people speaking out for the need for more affordable credit
  • local 'champions' from CDFIs and other organisations could put forward details of the demand for their services and the inadequate levels of funding available to meet this

 International comparisons, e.g.:

  • Germany - state provided pawnbrokers which offer very cheap credit to very poor borrowers
  • Holland - state provided pawnbrokers which offer very cheap credit to very poor borrowers; good examples of municipal banks
  • Italy - overdraft credit is available even to people that have been made bankrupt in the past

Entries should be submitted to Suzanne Round, Forster for Change.