Credit help and advice

New alternative to payday loans

West Lothian people who are on a low income or finding it difficult to manage their budgets can now access a new service.

The not- for-profit Community Development Financial Institution ( CFDI) can provide fair and affordable loans online at www. conduitscotland.com, or by calling 0300 111 0556.

The new service is being delivered in partnership with Conduit Scotland, West Lothian, Fife and Falkirk councils. In addition, from Saturday, August 12, customers can also apply at the new branch office, 79 South Bridge Street, Bathgate, 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Along with affordable loans Conduit Scotland also offers a range of other services through its network including: money and budgeting advice; debt management; income maximisation; support to access other financial services, for example bank and savings accounts and credit union accounts and referrals to other support services.

People who access the services are likely to have incomes of lower than £ 15,000 with no record of savings and who have an extremely poor or no credit rating. By improving the financial capability of this group they will help more people to manage their financial circumstances and their money more effectively. Conduit Scotland along with the complementary services from West Lothian Council will help adults and families to build financial resilience, access and use mainstream banking options and build the capability to manage their money on a day-to-day basis. Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick commented: “West Lothian Council is committed to improving the quality of life of local people and to ensuring that they are treated fairly and have equal opportunities. The opening of the CDFI in West Lothian is a positive step to help people who are experiencing difficulty with their finances.”

CDFIs aim to offer a competitive, socially responsible alternative to non-standard lenders such as payday loans, for West Lothian Council’s most vulnerable residents.