Leeds Credit Union has revealed that more than 76% of its members have changed their Christmas plans due to Covid-19, with 35% saying they’ve been affected significantly.

Following a week of Government decisions – which are set to shape how the country operates over the next six months – the Credit Union has announced the findings of a survey of its 37,000 members, looking at how the ongoing pandemic is impacting this year’s festive period.

With the majority of respondents saying they usually spend between £500 – £1,000 on Christmas, this year 43% of those surveyed said they will be spending less this year.

And where they will be shopping has shifted too, with members five times more likely to now use online retailers than high street shops.

Having saved members £1.8 million in high-interest repayments during the run up to last year’s festive period, LCU is determined to ensure those struggling to cope financially this Christmas, don’t turn to unethical payday, doorstep or loan shark lenders, with the launch of a £17million ‘loan pot’ – which will be available for the next three months.

Discussing the survey findings and launch of its Christmas campaign, Chris Smyth, CEO at Leeds Credit Union, said:

“Undeniably, we are living in a time of never before seen uncertainty, with many finding themselves in unexpected financial difficulties. It has never been more important that as a Credit Union, we step up and ensure as many people as possible across the region have access to affordable and ethical borrowing, and that they are kept away from those looking to take advantage of the situation.

“With so many of our members highlighting that Covid-19 has impacted their Christmas plans this year, we are determined to offer them the certainty of flexible and fair loans, and the launch of our £17million Christmas pot is the biggest amount we have ever set aside to help those who need it most.”

The survey also highlighted that many people have yet to begin their Christmas shopping and planning, a further indication that the period of uncertainty may still yet affect more people.

Leeds Credit Union, which was this year named as the region’s best lender, has reinforced its member services provision during lockdown, setting up additional contact numbers for members to get in touch. A new mobile banking app has also been made available ahead of its official launch so members can access their accounts remotely.

It is a financial cooperative set up to give member’s access to affordable loans at a fair rate of interest and competitive savings plans. Credit Union members enjoy our straightforward, honest approach to their money.

Leeds Credit Union is a community focused organisation with 37,000 members and is one of the largest in the UK. Leeds Credit Union is a ‘Mutual’, meaning that it is owned by members for member benefit alone.

As well as its city centre branch on Kirkgate, Leeds Credit Union has a branch in Armley. For more information visit their website at: leedscreditunion.co.uk.

One of Leeds’ top public health experts has claimed schools need to do more to encourage parents not to bring their children to school by car.

Dr John Beal, a regional public health consultant, told a meeting of councillors and health chiefs that using cars to travel regularly was a “learned behaviour” that can start with children being driven to school by parents and carers.

The comments came during a discussion on “active travel” – a long term scheme by Leeds City Council to encourage people to walk and cycle to help combat carbon emissions and improve people’s health.

Dr Beal told a meeting of Leeds City Council’s health and wellbeing board:

“I think that in many cases, it’s become the social norm to just jump in your car and drive wherever you’re going – even if it’s a really short journey.

“Social norms are learned early in life. Anyone who lives near a school will see the very high proportion of kids who are being driven to school, regardless of how far away they live.

“I think work needs to be done to encourage schools to encourage parents not to drive their children to school if there is any possibility of them walking or coming by bicycle.”

His comments come after ambitious plans were announced last year to spend millions on the district’s cycle and walking networks.

Speaking at a meeting back in May, Leeds’s councillor in charge of transport, Lisa Mulherin, said cycling could be the way forward for many.

“Times have changed,” she said. “When I was growing up, very few people had a car, and if they did, they only had one per household. Now we live in a society where people some people have two cars.

“But 30 percent of the population doesn’t have access to a car, and those needs have not been met.

Coun Mulherin added segregated cycle lanes could be the future for some of the city’s roads.

She said: “People will have noticed the work we have been doing on the top of the Headrow, and Park Row, with the cycle lanes for the longer term to have improved public transport provision in the city centre. The real connection will improve life for all of us.

“We want to expand segregated cycle provision. I have picked up concerns from people who don’t like people cycling on the pavement – if you had a segregated lane, they wouldn’t be doing that.

“We know active travel is beneficial for people’s mental health and physical health,” she said. “We have been working to promote people being physically active and getting outdoors.”