PEOPLE from ethnic minority backgrounds in Keighley and Bradford are being urged to open savings accounts by Bradford's Lord Mayor.

Councillor Abid Hussain, who is also a councillor for Keighley Central, opened his own savings account with the Bradford District Credit Union to set an example to people from ethnic minorities.

The Credit Union has increased its links with Muslim organisations to become a ‘faith-friendly’ union. This means Muslim savers will not have to take interest on their savings, as they would with other non-Islamic financial organisations.

Instead, the union will pay a dividend on savings which means any surplus made will be given back to members and can then be donated to charity.

Cllr Hussain opened his account at City Hall, where he was joined by Keighley West councillor Cath Bacon and a representative from Manningham Housing.

Cllr Bacon, who is anti poverty champion for Bradford Council, had first suggested to Cllr Hussain that he open the account.

She said: “We want to make the union as wide-reaching as possible and I said to the Lord Mayor it would be good for the black and minority ethnic community for him to open one to encourage others to do so.

“There are a range of accounts with a cross-purpose, such as faith-friendly and anti-poverty. It gives people accessible banking opportunities that are safer than keeping cash in a safe or under a mattress."

She said workshops will be held over the summer for people from impoverished backgrounds to encourage them to join the credit union. Visit bdcu.co.uk for more details.