South Ribble Borough Council welcomes new Credit Union to Leyland.

21 June 2021

Credit union, Unify, has opened a branch in Leyland with the support of South Ribble Borough Council.

Unify Credit Union is a community savings and loan co-operative with branches in Wigan, Ince, Leigh, Chorley and now Leyland.

Having been officially opened on Monday 21 June 2021 (and open to the public from Tuesday 22 June) in Leyland town centre, the service aims to provide a range of member benefits, accessible by residents and employees of South Ribble, to help support individuals to become more financially resilient.

Councillor Paul Foster, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council said: "The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the need for financial inclusion and resilience, so we are thrilled to be supporting Unify Credit Union with a grant of £150k.

"Unify are community focused and flexible to support the different needs across South Ribble, whether it be helping residents work on saving for the future or getting help with managing their finances.

"Not only is this a great service to be able to offer those who live and work in the Borough, it will create jobs at the branch."

The creation of Unify in Leyland will create 3 new jobs, one of which will be for a 16-24 year old as part of the government's Kickstart Programme which could lead to further opportunities in the future.

Based in the former Citizens Advice Bureau building, next to Tesco in Leyland town centre, the credit union is in a prime location for residents to access.

Unify has helped more than 10,000 members save and borrow for more than 10 years, offering a local and not for profit alternative service to a high street bank.

Unlike with a bank, people join Unify as a member with benefits such as dividends, free life insurance, online services, as well as helping members make the most of their money - working with partner agencies to help with budgeting, financial planning and debt advice.

As well as offering easy saving Unify also offer affordable loans rather than expensive credit cards or payday loans.

The Council aim to engage with businesses to make it easier for their employees to save with the credit union through wage deductions.

Working with partner organisations, South Ribble Borough Council will be creating a network of financial inclusion support to help.

More information can be found on the Unify Credit Union website