Housing association win award for affordable loans service

THE Wales & West Housing Association have won an award for starting up a financial service aimed to protect the low-paid from loan sharks.
TV presenter Ben Fogle fronted the London ceremony, organised by Inside Housing magazine.
The glittering award ceremony recognised the excellence of the Welsh entry and named them its Ground Breaking Service Team of the Year.
They scooped the award for their innovation and dedication in establishing Moneyline Cymru.

That's a new community development finance initiative offering affordable loans and financial advice to people who might otherwise turn to high-interest lenders.
Loan sharks often charge rates of more than 250% APR, leading to long-term misery and desperation among the most vulnerable.
The association, which has tenants in Ceridwen Terrace, Pontypridd, has piloted the initiative in five outlets around Wales, saving customers more than £700,000 in debt interest alone.
Clare Williams, financial inclusion officer at Community Housing Cymru, said: "Financial exclusion is a huge problem in Wales.
"Over 150,000 people borrow from doorstep lenders, with an additional 15,000 falling prey to illegal moneylenders.
" It's all been worthwhile to ensure customers have access to services appropriate to their needs, including basic bank accounts and affordable loans."
Nigel Draper, chair of the Moneyline Cymru steering group, added: "Over a thousand people have accessed services provided by the outlets.
"It's imperative that this initiative is extended Wales-wide in order to help more people in financial need."
"Thanks must be given to all the staff in the Moneyline Cymru offices who are working hard to ensure the continued success of the project."
Anne Hinchey, chief executive of Wales & West Housing Association, hailed the award as a "tremendous achievement". She said: "Moneyline Cymru has enabled hundreds of people on low incomes in Wales to access cheap, safe, affordable loans, and this is definitely something to be proud of."