A pioneering scheme to enable people to take charge of their money and tackle debt issues is going from strength to strength. On Saturday 17th November, the New Horizons Saving and Loan Scheme, a joint venture between Cambridge Housing Society and Cambridge Building Society, celebrates its 10th anniversary by opening its doors to tenants of Granta Housing Society and Wherry Housing Association living in Cambourne. To mark the occasion, a mini fun day is being held at the Hub, a Community Centre in Cambourne.

                                    

"We set up the scheme 10 years ago to provide our tenants with greater choice. We believe it is unfair that the people who can least afford it have to pay the most for credit. We are really pleased to make the offer available to more housing association tenants in Cambourne", said Nigel Howlett, Chief Executive of Cambridge Housing Society.

Stephen Mitcham, Chief Executive of Cambridge Building Society, commented:

"The Society is delighted to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the New Horizons Savings and Loan Scheme alongside Cambridge Housing Society. Cambourne houses the newest edition to our branch network and we are very pleased to see the scheme developing in this evolving community."

Since 1997, the scheme has provided more than £80,000 worth of small loans and enabled over 300 people to open savings accounts with Cambridge Building Society. The loans have helped to make practical differences to peoples lives. People have borrowed money to set up small businesses, to buy white goods and household items, computers, go on holiday or spread the cost of their wedding.