Building societies praised for commitment in coronavirus crisis

THE commitment of frontline building society and banking staff across the UK to provide people with access to essential financial services during the Covid-19 pandemic has been praised by John Glen, Economic Secretary and Minister for Financial Services.

He described the support as a ‘lifeline’ to individuals and businesses.

Mr Glen praised the ‘Herculean’ efforts to help customers facing acute financial difficulties and ensuring those in self-isolation have access to cash and other banking services.

Leek United Building Society, in line with Government guidance, continues to provide a range of support to members and customers during the Covid-19 outbreak. This includes:

▶ Mortgage customers can take a payment holiday for up to three months or reduce their payments for three months if they have been financially impacted by coronavirus.

▶ Residential landlords can also take advantage of mortgage payment holidays of up to three months if their tenants have been impacted financially by coronavirus.

▶ Branches have remained open specifically to support those customers who do not have access to online banking facilities.

▶ A dedicated hour has been introduced in branches from 9am – 10am, Monday to Friday, exclusively for elderly and vulnerable customers to manage their money.

Andrew Healy, Leek United Building Society’s chief executive, said: “Frontline employees working for building societies and banks right across the UK have done an incredible job under difficult circumstances. We are pleased that the Government has recognised the crucial role they play and we are especially proud of our frontline colleagues who continue to provide customers and members with access to essential financial services.”

The Society has also launched a campaign to raise £60,000 for three local charities whose funding has been hit by the coronavirus outbreak: Home-start Staffordshire Moorlands, Treetops Hospice Care,

Derbyshire and

Hospice, Cheshire.

The campaign, which launched a few weeks ago and will run until the end of May, will see the society match every pound donated by members of the public up to a maximum of £30,000. More than £4,800 has been donated so far - taking the overall total to just over £9,600.

Donations can be made online using internet banking or by posting a cheque to Charity Support, Leek United Building Society, 50 St Edward Street, Leek, ST13 5DL.

East

Cheshire