Founded | 2001 (1991) |
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Type | Industrial and Provident Society |
Location |
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Website | unitycreditunion.co.uk |
Part of a series on |
Odd Fellows |
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Unity Credit Union Limited, formerly Manchester Unity Credit Union, is a not-for-profit member-owned financial co-operative, based in Manchester and operating throughout the United Kingdom. The credit union was first established for members of the Independent Order of Oddfellows by Manchester Unity Friendly Society in 1991. [1]
The credit union traces its roots to Manchester Unity (No 1) Credit Union, which was founded in the English Midlands in 1991, followed by Manchester Unity (No 2) Credit Union in North London in 1994 and Manchester Unity (No 3) Credit Union in Yorkshire in 1997. [2] In 1999, the Treasury announced that credit unions would be brought within the mainstream regulatory scheme administered by the Financial Services Authority. [3] With little growth and increasing legislation, talks took place between the credit unions and the Board of the Oddfellows bringing all three together in 2001. [2]
In 2022, the common bond was expanded to include members of the Ancient Order of Foresters Friendly Society and Manchester Unity Credit Union became Unity Credit Union.
Membership of Unity Credit Union is restricted by a common bond to members of the Oddfellows or the Foresters or a member of the same household who is a relative. New members can join both the Oddfellows and the credit union at the same time, which entitles them to the benefits of both organisations for a single monthly contribution. [4]
A member of the Association of British Credit Unions Limited, [5] Unity Credit Union is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the PRA. Ultimately, like the banks and building societies, members' savings are protected against business failure by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. [6]
The Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity Friendly Society Limited, also called the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows; trading as The Oddfellows, is a fraternal order founded in Manchester in 1810.
The District of Canterbury Credit Union Limited was a savings and loans co-operative based in the cathedral city of Canterbury. In 2011, it merged with the larger Kent Savers Credit Union.
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East London Credit Union Limited was a not-for-profit member-owned financial co-operative, based in Walthamstow and operating in the east London boroughs of Waltham Forest, Enfield, Haringey, Hackney, Newham, Redbridge and the Epping Forest district of Essex. All members of the credit union were instant savers; different loans were provided depending on individual circumstances.
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