Financial Inclusion
Updated 25 May 2010 
Housing associations have taken a lead in combating financial exclusion amongst their tenants and residents. Throughout England, associations are offering financial services and impartial advice to tenants. They are also supporting community financial institutions like credit unions through partnership working and investment.
The Federation has made a commitment to promoting financial inclusion and is currently developing a series of integrated campaigns, products, events, publications and partnerships that aim to give tenants fairer access to financial services.
Latest News
Guidance note for providers of financial inclusion services
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has published a guidance note which aims to help social housing providers understand what activities they may carry out without being subject to FSA regulation or breaching restrictions on financial promotion. It explains the circumstances in which some social housing providers may not need to be authorised in the area of insurance mediation, and what activities involving deposits are subject to FSA regulation. It also explains how financial products can be promoted by social housing providers without breaching restrictions on financial promotions.
Stopping Loan Sharks
The Federation and our members are committed to supporting the Government's regional teams working to stamp out illegal money lending. For more information, visit the Direct.gov.uk website.
Publications and Resources
National Housing Federation publications
This guide profiles the extensive work of housing associations in financial inclusion, including effective partnerships with local government, credit unions and voluntary and community organisations.
This practical guide will help housing staff find creative new ways to improve services to tenants by increasing their access to key financial services. Available to purchase from the online bookshop.
This free guide is a resource for front line staff, social landlords and practitioners to use in financial capability work with social housing tenants
This report was commissioned by the Federation to investigate the development of a range of products and services to address the problem of financial exclusion amongst housing association tenants.
This special issue, September 2008, contains news, briefings and campaign updates on financial inclusion, community development finance institutions, home credit, savings gateway, credit unions and the prepayment meter campaign
Housing Corporation Publications
Case study information on social landlords’ engagement in financial inclusion activity.
Case study information on social landlords’ engagement in financial inclusion activity
Transact Publications
(pdf, 484 KB, opens in new window)
This publication seeks to reduce the disparity in the range of services accessible to social tenants by improving the continuity and consistency of initiatives delivered by social landlords. It suggests practical ways in which social landlords can work with others to make the link between their tenants and financial inclusion.
This publication focuses on the potentially serious impact of financial exclusion on social landlords’ business performance. Case studies are included to evidence the direct link between promoting financial inclusion and social landlords’ business outcomes.
Useful links
Government agencies and relevant organisations
Funding
Money advice
Pre-payment meter campaign
Support our campaign to stop energy suppliers from charging pre-payment meter customers, who are often on low incomes, more for their energy.
|