Sheen backs boost for families in need
HOLLYWOOD actor Michael Sheen yesterday backed a Scottish Government drive that will help lift families out of poverty.
Equalities Secretary Angela Constance announced a £1million investment in the Carnegie Trust’s Affordable Credit Loan Fund.
The move will double the size of the fund, which reduces the cost of borrowing and makes sure people can access financial products and services that meet their needs in a responsible way.
Welsh actor Sheen is probably best known for playing Tony Blair in a number of films written by Peter Morgan – including The Queen, starring Helen Mirren. But he is also a prominent activist with a particular interest in making credit more affordable.
He said: “High-cost credit can be really detrimental to people’s finances and their wellbeing. A vital part of the solution must be to provide people with fairer, more affordable borrowing alternatives which are delivered for social good.”
Constance said the initiative, part of the Scottish Government’s new child poverty delivery plan, showed Scotland is “leading the way” on tackling the problem.
Carnegie UK Trust chief executive Martyn Evans added: “At present, those in poverty have to pay a significant premium whenever they borrow money.
“This has to change.”