Statistics

Credit unions have been growing steadily over the past ten years. And looking ahead, they are clearly in a strong position to develop further.

Around 405 credit unions across England, Scotland and Wales
More than 983,000 people use credit unions, including over 119,000 junior savers
£730m is saved in British credit unions
£595m is out on loan to members
25 credit unions across the UK now offer current accounts
More than 34,000 people have their current account with a credit union
Some credit unions offer mortgages, cash ISAs and insurance products

Sources: FSA unaudited figures as at 31 December 2011 and ABCUL

FSA Annual Statistics are available here.

Britain’s credit union movement has grown rapidly and continues to gather strength. In the decade to 2007, Britain’s credit unions saw a

170% increase in membership
318% increase in savings
298% increase in loans
351% increase in assets

Source: Breaking through to the future, Liverpool John Moores University, 2008. The report is available to download from the Research page.

The credit union movement is truly global, with:

51,000 credit unions in 100 countries
196 million credit union members across the world
US$1.5 trillion in assets
Between 25% and 50% of the populations of the USA, Canada, and Australia and Ireland are credit union members

Source: WOCCU

WOCCU’s full annual statistical report is available here.

ABCUL: The Northern Money Conference 2012

The Northern Money Conference 2012 has grown to become the largest conference in Britain to address issues concerning the financial health and wellbeing of low and moderate-income households.

ABCUL: Credit unions welcome progress on legislation

ABCUL – the Association of British Credit Unions – has welcomed steps taken in Parliament this week which will see increased access to safe and ethical financial services in communities and workplaces across the country.

Credit union delight at £73 million Government boost

Mark Lyonette, Chief Executive of ABCUL - the Association of British Credit Unions, has welcomed today's announcement that the Government is investing up to £73 million in credit unions over the next four years, and that the Post Office could play a central role in delivering credit union services.

ABCUL: Now there's an easier way to find your local credit union

Around 80% of people in England, Scotland and Wales can join a credit union because of where they live, work or the organisations they're members of, and this is growing all the time. Now there's one place where they can find out about the credit unions they can use.

ABCUL: Credit unions welcome Post Office plans

ABCUL - the Association of British Credit Unions - has welcomed today's policy statement from The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) on its plans to secure the long term future of the Post Office.