Successful Lobbying

Successful Lobbying Liz Man – Credit Action November 2010

Agenda What is lobbying? How can we make a difference? Community Voice Forum A practical look at CVF issues

What is lobbying? Lobby : “to attempt to influence (legislators) in the formulation of policy” Collins English Dictionary Campaign: “a series of coordinated activities designed to achieve a goal,” Advocate: “active support of a cause or course of action”

Why should we get involved? “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” Proverbs 31:8 • Because we care and we want to see a better world • Because it is one of the ways we can act out our commitment to stewardship of our world and care for the poor • Because the best people to say what needs to be done are the people who see it day to day • Because it makes a difference

Ways to lobby Strength in numbers • Connect with organisations who share your concern • Keep informed Your government wants to hear from you • Engage with your MP • Respond to consultations • Join petitions (or start your own) The industry needs to hear from you • Help them get it right • Vote with your wallet Communication!! • Build contacts • Write letters/emails/social media • Generate interest – media and personal Who has the real power to change? • Don’t forget to pray

Getting the message across Know the goal • Know what you want to happen • Know your audience and understand the challenges Make the case • Stories are powerful • So are statistics Be positive • Don’t assume people won’t want to hear • Be persistent

Focus on: Facebook ads campaign

Focus on: Credit and Store Card Payments • Consultation from BIS Jan 2010 ‘A Better Deal for Consumers: Review of the Regulation of Credit and Store Cards’ • Result – by the end of 2010 the allocation of payments (lower interest paid off first) will be reversed

Your turn... BIS have issued a Call for Evidence on Debt and Insolvency which the CVF will be responding to. Your input will feed into the response. 1. How can debtors be encouraged to seek early support to manage their debt problems? 2. What problems are encountered with the current range of debt solutions and how could they be improved to ensure all debtors have an option and that the choices are clear? 3. How does a person find out where to go for debt advice and assistance? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these methods?

Community Voice Forum (CVF) Collaboration between:

CVF Issue Headlines • Money education in schools • Responsible banking and lending • Protection for the poor and vulnerable

Your input on issues We would like your input to help us shape the campaign agenda and to establish clear, measurable asks • Responsible banking and lending • Three changes that would make the biggest difference for consumers and clients What does ‘responsible banking/lending’ mean in practice and what are some of the changes that would demonstrate it? • Protecting poor and vulnerable consumers • Three changes that would make the most difference for vulnerable people Who are the most vulnerable? What would be the measures that would help them the most? Some of the ideas raised at the Forum meetings are in the handout

Practical campaigning ideas What are some of the ways that we can campaign on the three issues (“blue sky” thinking welcomed)? • Money education in schools • Responsible banking and lending • Protecting poor and vulnerable consumers

CVF – how to get involved • Be a part of the group – email info@communityvoiceforum.org.uk • Respond to consultations • Tell us what matters • Join with us in campaigning

Successful Lobbying