Financial Inclusion for Scotland

Would a quarter of workers really be better off on benefits?

Over six million workers earn less than an unemployed person on benefits, according to the Centre for Social Justice. Is it true?

Sharon MacPherson delivered a guest lecture at Glasgow Caledonian University, highlighting how financial inclusion can tackle inequality and build fairer financial systems. Great energy and insight from students shaping the future of social finance.

#financialinclusion

Sharon MacPherson of Financial Inclusion for Scotland

Assembled guests at Glasgow City Chambers for the launch of Moneyline in Scotland

Team assembling Fair By Design's Gimme Some Credit exhibit at the Moneyline launch in Scotland

Some of the organisers and speakers at the Moneyline Scotland launch including Shiona Crichton, Isla McIntosh and Theodora Hadjimichael

Great to celebrate #Moneyline’s Scotland launch last week. Inspiring to see so many committed to #financialinclusion and working together for fair, ethical lending. A powerful step forward. Well done to Shiona Crichton and the team.

What Does ‘Lived Experience’ Really Mean? Our Panel’s Perspective Our Lived Experience Panel shares what the term ‘lived experience’ means to them, why language matters, and how genuine inclusion shapes real policy change.

"We're not here as case studies; we're here as people who are contributing to shaping change."

New blog from @fairbydesign.bsky.social on their work with @povertyalliance.org creating a Lived Experience Advisory Panel.

fairbydesign.com/blog-what-li...

🗣️ “Nothing’s changed? Everything’s changed. It’s worse.”

We were privileged to work alongside the Grassroots Poverty Action Group (GPAG) on the foreword of our #UKPoverty2026 report that launched this morning.

They also shared their reflections on they key findings in this impactful video ⬇️

"A Fair Banking Act is a common sense, proportionate measure which could have transformative benefits for businesses and communities across the UK, and I commend this Bill to the House."

👏 @gareththomasmp.bsky.social

#FairBankingForAll #FairBankingAct

‘A fair banking act is essential to expand access to affordable credit’ – LabourList Access to affordable finance can unlock the potential of businesses across the UK, helping them grow and thrive. It can also be a lifeline for…

Affordable credit is critical for households and businesses. A #FairBankingAct would make banks accountable for expanding fair, affordable lending where it’s needed most. @fbfacampaign.bsky.social @gareththomasmp.bsky.social
#FairBankingForAll

In 2026, we'll be closing out our two-year strategy for Financial Inclusion in Scotland and planning what’s next. Want to stay updated? Sign up for our newsletter today ↪️ buff.ly/vVGcdIA

#FinancialInclusion

Forcing UK banks to support credit unions would help keep loan sharks at bay | Heather Stewart High street banks dodged a windfall tax – now they should invest in growth of local lenders

Huge thanks to @guardianheather.bsky.social for highlighting the call for a #FairBankingAct to bring banks together with #creditunions and #CDFIs to ensure people can access #affordablecredit when they need it.

bit.ly/44dqFAv

@coopparty.party.coop

Great to join the conversation in Glasgow! Listening to residents share the challenges they face in accessing affordable credit reinforces why initiatives like the #FairBankingAct matter. Huge thanks to everyone involved for exploring practical steps to boost financial inclusion. #FairBankingForAll

Scotland's benefits system treated me better than the DWP

Caroline Cawley has experienced the disability benefits system in both England and Scotland. She explains why the Scottish system is better.

Guest Blog: Security not Struggle for Scotland’s older people Matthew Sayers, Scotland Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer Independent Age Click here to read the Independent Age manifesto to reduce pensioner poverty Every day at Independent Age - the nation...

Poverty among pensioners is often overlooked and underestimated but the risk of financial hardship in later life is significant and rising.

In a new blog for @povertyalliance.org, we call for system changes to deliver security not struggle for older people.
www.povertyalliance.org/guest-blog-s...

I couldn't afford to fix my broken bed. People in poverty like me need help with the essentials

Gloria Odhi, a participant of Changing Realities, shared her story with the Scottish first minister with the hope of inspiring change.

We are driving change, campaigning for better access to affordable credit, stronger community lenders, and bold policy solutions like the Fair Banking Act and Dormant Assets reform.

👉 Be part of the movement: socialinvestmentscotland.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...

#FinancialInclusion

We respond to Scottish Labour consultation on financial inclusion We call for a bold Financial Inclusion Strategy to tackle poverty premiums & systemic exclusion.

Last week we responded to Scottish Labour’s consultation on financial inclusion.

With 22.4% of households in Scotland facing a poverty premium, we’re calling for an ambitious UK-wide Financial Inclusion Strategy to address this.

fairbydesign.com/scottish-lab...

Social Investment Scotland Social Investment Scotland Email Forms

We are driving change, campaigning for better access to affordable credit, stronger community lenders, and bold policy solutions like the Fair Banking Act and Dormant Assets reform.

👉 Be part of the movement: socialinvestmentscotland.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...

#FinancialInclusion

LinkedIn This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

We’re working toward a financially inclusive Scotland—where no one is left behind.
✅ Fair financial access
✅ Fair Banking Act
✅ Dormant assets unlocked
✅ Delivering on Scotland’s 1st Financial Inclusion Strategy
🔗 www.socialinvestmentscotland.com/about/financ...

#FinancialInclusion

Our #GetHeardScotland members use their experience to push for laws and systems to better help people on low incomes. Panel member John Bell has written a great guest blog on what it was like taking part in a @CollectiveScot leadership event.
www.povertyalliance.org/guest-blog-s...

🚨 News from Financial Inclusion for Scotland

Welcome new members #ResponsibleFinance and @citizensadvicescot.bsky.social, and thrilled to have Janine Rennie, CEO of @moneyadvicescot.bsky.social, with Peter Costello now representing FARE Scotland.
🔗 bit.ly/3XYZabc

#FinancialInclusion

Why voluntary market fixes won’t solve the credit crisis - Finance Innovation Lab Sam Rex-Edwards, our Head of Movement Building and Campaigns, reflects on last weeks sudden closure of the Financial Fairness Trust by asset manager Aberdeen Group. The shock move by asset manager Abe...

"Voluntary fixes won't solve the credit crisis.. A #FairBankingAct would be a powerful statement that access to affordable, ethical credit for consumers & businesses is not optional."

New blog from @thefinancelab.bsky.social 👇

#FairBankingForAll

financeinnovationlab.org/why-voluntar...

‘It’s not a problem until it is’: MPs hear how poverty premium is hitting Glasgow Treasury Committee members visit Glasgow to hear how the ‘poverty premium’ and decline of cash acceptance is affecting low-income communities.

“That creates a poverty premium where people are having to pay higher prices, sometimes for basic goods”

Really good to see Meg Hillier mention the poverty premium as part of the TSC's scrutiny of the Government’s financial inclusion strategy.

www.heraldscotland.com/news/2529128...

📖 Weekend reading.
It's just wrong that people on low incomes have unjust stigma put on them by others. Ine in five people on low incomes say they have often experienced discrimination or judgement. And that has a bad impact on their mental health.
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/defaul...

Last week we launched a new case study looking at how No Interest Loan Schemes are helping to combat the poverty premium in the North East.

Have a read here - fairbydesign.com/we-launch-ne...

Did you know that 1 in 7 Scots are financially excluded?

Sharon Macpherson of Financial Inclusion for Scotland calls for bold action to make financial services work for everyone, not just the few. Read her piece in @TheScotsman: www.scotsman.com/business/why...

It’s time for a #FairBankingAct.

Nearly half of Brits only £100 away from being overdue on their rent or mortgage: 'On a knife edge'

'When nearly half of people are so financially fragile that they are living in fear of a £100 bill, something has gone very wrong'

Dormant assets funding expected to rise to £440m by 2028 The funding is expected to include £87.5m for social investment and the same amount again for the creation of community wealth funds

The amount of funds unlocked through the Dormant Assets Scheme is expected to rise to £440m over the next three years, the government has said

UK risks 'sleepwalking into crisis' with cashless society

A new report from the Treasury Committee has found that vulnerable people are most at risk as society becomes increasingly cashless.

A national strategy without legal accountability is merely lip service. With a #FairBankingAct in place, financial inclusion would become a right for everyone.

👉 Join us in advocating for this change by reaching out to your MSP today - 🔗 www.socialinvestmentscotland.com/insights/sup...

In Scotland, we’re seeing local innovation from #creditunions, #fintechs, and #communitylenders. However, true systemic change demands leadership and legislation across the UK.

Here’s what we advocate for:
✅ Mandatory standards ensuring access for all
✅ A universal right to a no-fee basic bank account
✅ Clear transparency on how banks serve vulnerable customers
✅ Accountability from regulators & institutions
✅ Products designed by those who truly know their needs