Clackmannanshire Council Online

Councils Launch Major Study into Credit Union Awareness in Central Scotland

Clackmannanshire Council, working in partnership with East Lothian Council, is launching research to better understand how local people and businesses view and use credit unions, and what would encourage more people and employers to get involved.

Credit unions play a growing role in supporting local financial wellbeing. The study will look at how aware residents and employers are of credit unions, what might be stopping people from getting involved, and gather views on what products and services they would like to see from credit unions.

The results will inform practical steps aimed at helping people save, borrow affordably, and keep more money circulating locally.  The research will explore:

• How aware residents and businesses are of credit unions.
• What barriers prevent people and employers from engaging.
• What products and services people and businesses would like to see.
• Practical steps to increase involvement.

Councillor Ellen Forson, Leader of Clackmannanshire Council, said: ‘At the heart of our work are our local people and businesses. Credit unions can and do make a real difference but participation doesn’t just happen on its own.

“This research is about listening. We want to understand day-to-day realities and challenges, what matters to people, what support would make the biggest difference, what barriers might be standing in their way, and what practical changes could make a difference here in our communities.

“If we get this right, we’ll build a stronger, fairer financial future for our local communities and businesses.”

Short online surveys are open now:

For residents

For local employers and enterprises