14. What is the Welsh Government doing to promote membership of credit unions in Wales? OAQ(4)0168(CTP)

Janet Finch-Saunders:Minister, I am sure that you would agree with me on the scope of the work that North Wales Credit Union is doing. As a result of the funding, it has launched tv and radio advertising and bus and large-format posters with the aim of being able to attract more members. Additionally, on top of this, what other initiatives are you coming forward with to increase awareness of just how good credit unions are? It is not just for vulnerable people, but for people across all backgrounds.

Jeff Cuthbert:I thank the Member very much for those points. I have, and I trust that everybody has, seen the advert for credit union membership that is being initiated by North Wales Credit Union. It is a very good advert. I congratulate it on it. In terms of additional work, I have been in touch with all Ministers, for example, to encourage all the staff they are responsible for, including local authority and NHS staff, to work towards payroll deductions so that they become members of credit unions and therefore increase the financial resource base. Betsi Cadwaladr health board, for example, has already led the way on this, and I am very pleased with that. I have done my bit by being a member of two credit unions. I would encourage every Assembly Member to make sure that they and their staff are members also and set a good example.