On the 24th November 2011 Dr Carl Chinn MBE became a member and
Patron of Citysave Credit Union, the Birmingham based ethical
financial co-operative that offers savings and loans to 10,000
members in the Midlands.
Carl Chinn was born in the Sorrento Nursing Home in Moseley,
Birmingham and has become a leading figure in Midland's social
history. His BBC Radio WM programme regularly attracts thousands of
listeners and he has written over 20 books on the urban history of
the Midlands. In 2001 Carl was awarded an MBE for services to local
history and charity. He is also Professor of Community History at
the University of Birmingham. Carl is a champion of Birmingham city
and all things Brummie.
He commented: "Credit Unions have a long history of helping the
working people of this country to save, borrow, and plan for the
future. They do so co-operatively and now more than ever it is
vital that working people bond together in co-operation. Like so
many Brummies, I once was a proud member of the Birmingham
Municipal Bank, but since that bank ended there has been a real gap
in banking which I believe that Citysave can fill. Citysave has
been operating in Birmingham for the last twenty five years and it
provides an ethical and convenient way to pay bills, save, and have
access to savings. I'm delighted to become both a member and Patron
of Citysave and believe that by investing locally and
co-operatively, credit unions offer the best way forward for our
community and for all of our financial futures. "
Credit Unions are financial co-operatives, meaning that everyone
who saves and borrows with Citysave is a member. Credit Unions
don't have shareholders to please, and are run by members for the
benefit of members.
You can apply for Citysave membership on line or in their
Birmingham city centre branch. Members receive regular statements
and account balances by text, and a pre paid debit card offering
all the convenience of plastic, without worrying that you've
overspent.
Credit unions are also a direct alternative to pay day lenders
who offer quick cash but charge a phenomenal rate of interest,
often near 5000%. Credit unions by law can only charge up to 2% per
month, which is 26.8% APR and there are no arrangement fees, no
repayment penalties, and free life cover on loans. For more
information contact Citysave on 0121 303 4013.