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<p>In 2014, the Government undertook a call for evidence to understand the appropriate
steps that could be taken to support the credit union sector. Subsequently, the maximum
interest a credit union can charge on loans was raised from 2% to 3% per month, and
the upper limit on the geographical common bond was raised from 2 to 3 million people.</p><p>
</p><p>The Government continues to be open to considering the case for further reform.
ABCUL, the sector’s largest trade body, is currently carrying out a sector-wide consultation
which is due to conclude later this year. HMT will consider its conclusions in the
development of future credit union policy.</p><p> </p><p>At Autumn Budget 2018, the
Government also announced a package of measures to support the availability of affordable
credit, including:</p><p>o A £2 million affordable credit challenge fund, harnessing
the UK’s FinTech sector to address challenges faced by social and community lenders,
including credit unions.</p><p>o A change in the regulatory boundary of credit broking
to make it easier for registered social landlords such as housing associations to
refer their tenants to social and community lenders.</p><p>o A prize-linked savings
pilot scheme, to encourage the growth of the credit union sector and encourage consumers
to build up their personal savings. We hope credit unions will be able to use the
deposits gained from their participation in the scheme to increase their overall lending.</p><p>o
A feasibility study to design a pilot for a UK No-Interest Loans Scheme.</p>
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