Hafod Housing win Housing Heroes award
On 14th May 2010 the Moneyline Cymru Steering Group were deservedly the winners of the 2010 Housing Heroes Award for Ground Breaking Service Team of the Year. The Award was presented by Ben Fogle at an awards ceremony in the Hilton Hotel, London. The Chartered Institute of Housing acknowledged that due to the number of entries it was difficult narrow down the finalists, so to win the win award was very special. The 2010 Housing Heroes Award recognises the work of the Moneyline Cymru Steering Group who set up Moneyline Cymru to provide a cheaper alternative to door step lending that currently charge tenants 272.2% interest.
The Moneyline Cymru Steering Group is made up of:
• Hafod Housing Association
• Bron Afon
• Charter Housing Association
• Community Housing Cymru
• RCT Homes
• Valleys to Coast
• Wales & West Housing Association
Moneyline Cymru was set up to provide a cheaper alternative for tenants who cannot access cheap bank or credit union loans and are forced to use high interest door step lending. Hafod Housing Association's Richard McQuillan has played a leading part in the Moneyline Cymru Steering Group and compiled the Award submission. The Moneyline Cymru Steering Group has secured £458,000 revenue funding, £1,540,000 capital funding, set up five offices and created thirteen posts for the project. Tenants borrowing from Moneyline Cymru borrower are saving on average £627.36 per year rather than use a door-step lender.
Commenting on the Award, Richard said "It was a great feeling to be recognised for all our hard work but we couldn't have succeeded without the support of the 17 other RSLs, East Lancs Moneyline, Social Finance and DWP who supported the project.
