Ryedale District Council partner up with Citizens Advice North Yorkshire and Community First Credit Union to launch scheme helping financially vulnerable citizens

Ryedale citizens vulnerable to the cost-of-living crisis could access practical help and advice along with grant or loan support via the launch of Ryedale District Council’s financial inclusion project.

Working with Citizens Advice North Yorkshire (CANY) and Community First Credit Union (CFCU), the Council is helping set up a series of schemes, funded by a one-off revenue fund/grant, that will ensure the best route to CANY services and funding and provide opportunities for CFCU small loans and a district-wide outreach program.

The schemes run for a year and include:

A CANY information and advice service running one day a week from Ryedale House, Malton. A dedicated Generalist Adviser will offer free, confidential and independent advice open to all residents facing financial difficulties – either face to face or appointment via telephone every Tuesday. More information is available at Visit us in Malton - Citizens Advice North Yorkshire (cany.org.uk) or by calling 0808 2787900.

From 1 February, a CFCU Outreach Operation based at Ryedale House, Malton runs each Wednesday for a year. Access to the Credit Union will be available from Ryedale House and the service will visit community centres and organisations throughout Ryedale, building awareness and offering training to residents facing financial difficulties.

The creation of a Hardship Grant Fund which will be disbursed to residents in crisis or imminent crisis as a result of cost-of-living increases. More information can be found at Financial Inclusion advice and support scheme - Ryedale District Council

People can apply for interest-free loans from Community First. By becoming a Community First account holder, people can apply for such loans – borrowing up to £500, based on affordability and availability. 

A one-off £4,000 donation spread among local charities and organisations tackling the cost-of-living crisis in Ryedale.

Phillip Spurr, Acting Chief Executive of Ryedale District Council, said: “We believe the timing is right to be launching this important project with our partners, especially as this winter some of our citizens will want to take away some financial stresses and worry.

“We’ve ensured that the types of help are spread around the district fairly and proportionately, so that everyone can take advantage of the support and funding available. We urge anyone facing hardship to seek us out at Ryedale House or at any one of the outreach sites, and not let this opportunity for assistance slip by.”

Carol Shreeve, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice North Yorkshire, said: “We are extremely proud to be part of this important project. Our experienced advisers have been extremely busy during the cost-of-living crisis, and we have seen many people needing financial advice and support from us for the first time.

“We have also seen a huge increase in people not being able to heat their homes, pay their bills or put food on the table despite being part of a working household.

“We encourage people across the Ryedale district who are struggling financially to get in touch as soon as possible, to have a look at their options.” 

Dr. Gary Simpson, Chief Executive of Community First Credit Union, said: “We would like all Ryedale residents – and particularly those impacted by the rise in the cost of living – to explore this innovative support initiative set up by the Council and delivered by CFCU.

“With CFCU offering banking accounts, saving plans and services such as affordable, ethical loans (including targeted interest-free loans), people can be helped with saving money.”

The Council will announce further details as and when the near-future schemes are launched, but for any general enquiries about the Financial Inclusion project please contact housing@ryedale.gov.uk or call 01653 600666 ext. 43625. Alternatively, please visit Financial Inclusion advice and support scheme - Ryedale District Council

CANY can be contacted on 0808 278 7900 or at https://www.cany.org.uk/ for more information.

For CFCU assistance, or for further information, please contact www.communityfirstcu.co.uk or its contact centre on 030303 00010.