Credit Unions Spotlighted on BBC Politics North East & Cumbria

Thursday 22 January 2026

Credit unions in the North East have been showcased on BBC Politics North East & Cumbria, highlighting the vital role they play in supporting communities.

The segment, broadcast on Sunday morning on BBC One North East & Cumbria, featured Moneywise Credit Union and NE First Credit Union, with representatives Lee Williams, Chief executive of Moneywise Credit Unio and Joanne Angus, Manager of NE First Credit Union discussing how credit unions help people save and borrow responsibly during challenging economic times.

The programme explored the growing importance of credit unions as a trusted alternative to high-cost credit, particularly for people on low and moderate incomes, and demonstrated the real-world impact of community-based financial institutions across the region.

In the segment, Lee addressed current challenges communities have managing the cost-of-living saying: “We’re here to try and help the community and help those people that can’t get help elsewhere.”

Lee said the work of credit unions was particularly important at a time when cost-of-living pressures were forcing vulnerable people into financial difficulties.

He said: “We have got a huge problem with loan sharks in the local area and we do a lot of work with the illegal money lending team.

Christine Shearer, 74, also a regular at the Stockton branch, said she had been a credit union member for decades, using it for savings and loans “for the larger things, like washing machines”.

She said members were treated with “care and respect”.

The segment can be viewed by skipping to 19:50 in the programme here.