Leeds Debt Forums

The West Leeds Debt Forum was the first debt forum, set up in 2004, to promote Credit Unions, to raise awareness of sources of information/advice on money worries, and to campaign against illegal loan sharks. This led to other debt forums (East, North, South) developing across the city. All four debt forums amalgamated and became the Leeds Poverty and Debt Forum (there is also a Debt Advice Network that works closely with the debt forum). Over the years the debt forums have brought together different organisations and groups in both the voluntary and public sectors, e.g. Money Buddies, Credit Unions, Illegal Money Lending Project, Housing, Public Health, Citizens Advice, Food Banks, Better Leeds Communities, St Vincent's and many more. Meetings were held locally (every 2 - 3 months in West Leeds and East Leeds) to discuss local concerns and build partnerships, plan campaigns. An annual meeting was also organised around an agreed theme. The first was in 2005. The theme changes each year, as we all work together to tackle the issues of debt, poverty deprivation and isolation.

The Forums have, from the beginning, had the support of local ward councillors, the City Council and local MPs. This support has been vital and their continuing support is gratefully acknowledged and for this, we extend our thanks.