2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:10 pm on 20 March 2018.

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Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 3:10, 20 March 2018

Yes. In terms of the credit union's payroll deduction scheme, I'm delighted to welcome the recent work—whether it's supported by famous actors or not, in fact—to boost credit union payroll deduction schemes. There has been an ongoing campaign for several years now, actually, to encourage large employers to allow payroll deduction to support the credit unions because, obviously, they offer people a great way to save and borrow responsibly and to keep control of their finances and there are real benefits for employees and employers—as Jane Hutt has pointed out—in partnering with credit unions.

I really hope employers across Wales will be involved, and I have no doubt that having a mark to recognise employers who offer payroll schemes will help to progress this. A hundred and forty organisations across Wales have already signed up to the Credit Unions of Wales payroll partner mark, so it's a very encouraging start. The Welsh Government has encouraged credit unions to visit our offices to help increase membership and to promote a responsible attitude to saving and borrowing amongst staff. The Minister for Housing and Regeneration recently wrote to the Assembly Commission, in fact, to promote the value of payroll services for National Assembly for Wales staff as well. We'll be advising them very shortly on funding awards to take forward projects from April this year, so it's a very good scheme indeed, and I hope that we can extend it right across Wales. That's very good.