Role of credit unions to be examined

Specifically the Committee will:

• Assess the current ethos, regulation and legislation of credit unions in Northern Ireland and compare these with provisions in Great Britain and Republic of Ireland.
• Compare the different services available to credit union members in Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
• Assess the role and contribution of credit unions in promoting the financial well-being of their members and wider community.
• Examine the legal and regulatory barriers preventing credit unions from participating in the ‘business of banking’ and promoting financial inclusion.
• Compare the role and availability of public funding available to credit unions in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
• Examine what policy development and practices have taken place since the Review of Credit Unions
• Assess the Treasury Select Committee recommendations on credit unions
• Report to the Assembly on the Committee’s analysis and conclusions in relation to the above and make relevant recommendations

The Committee would welcome the views of the wider voluntary and community sector and is inviting written evidence which suits the Inquiry’s terms of reference. They are accepting submissions by email (as a Word document) to: eticommittee@niassembly.gov.uk.

The closing date for submissions is 13 June 2008.

A guide to the submission of written evidence is available for download.