Lord Freud announces £145million investment in financial inclusion at Circle fringe event

At the event, Circle's CEO, Mark Rogers welcomed the announcement and called for the government to commit to providing one to one support for every new recipient of direct Universal Credit payments who needs it. Circle also shared some interim findings from research among its residents into their attitudes about managing their money.

Mark Rogers said: "Our research shows that many social housing residents do not know how to get the most out of their bank accounts, and 57 per cent still prefer to use cash. When you add in the finding that 45 per cent of our customers do not have internet access at home, it is clear we cannot rely on online support alone.

"Housing associations will play an important role in ensuring our residents receive the right type of support. But it is absolutely crucial that the Government underpins their changes by making information and advice to those affected available face to face, as well as online. We look forward to hearing more detail about the government’s investment in this area."

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For media enquires please contact Mark Thomson on 07731 451350, Susannah Finn on 07793 591057, or email pressoffice@circle.org.uk

09/10/12 16:08