Centre for Co-operative Studies - Reports

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/10468/5051

Browse

Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 5 of 8
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Men's sheds and the Sustainable Development Goals: Local responses to global challenges
    (Centre for Co-operative Studies, University College Cork, 2022-12) Power, Carol; O'Callaghan, Alannah; Kenny, Michelle; O'Connor, Ray; Irish Research Council
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Credit union social impact measurement and reporting: Realising the potential
    (Centre for Community Finance Europe, in collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University, 2020-11) McCarthy, Olive
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Financial inclusion among social housing tenants
    (Cluid Housing and the Housing Finance Agency, 2021-06) McCarthy, Olive; Faherty, Mary; Byrne, Noreen; Carton, Fergal; Clúid Housing, Ireland; Housing Finance Agency, Ireland; University College Cork
    This research report examines access to and use of mainstream and alternative financial services by social housing residents in Ireland, with a focus on savings and credit.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Go Co-op: recent cases of Irish co-operative start-ups
    (University College Cork, Centre for Co-operative Studies, 2018-09) Moroney, Aisling; Carroll, Bridget; McCarthy, Olive
    This project aims to raise awareness of the role of co-operatives in Ireland and the practicalities involved in their establishment. This is achieved by means of detailing five case studies of new/emerging co-operatives. The focus of the case studies is on the motivations and experiences of these new co-operatives including factors facilitating and/or hindering their development. Cases cover a range of geographical locations, both urban and rural and a range of sectors from agri-food to retailing to environmental sustainability. It is hoped that the cases will be of benefit to: Individuals/groups wishing to establish a co-operative, whether in terms of inspiration or by way of practical example; Educators and researchers in need of relevant case studies to demonstrate the roles and practicalities as well as policy issues pertaining to co-operative development; Representative/apex bodies involved in the establishment and development of co-operatives. The co-operatives featured are: Aran Islands Energy; Co-operative/ Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileáin Árann Teoranta; Donegal Woodland; Owners Co-operative: Ring of Kerry Quality; Lamb Co-operative; Courtmacsherry; Community Shop; Third Space Co-operative.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Interest rate restrictions on credit for low income borrowers
    (University College Cork, Centre for Co-operative Studies, 2017-12) Faherty, Mary; McCarthy, Olive; Byrne, Noreen; Social Finance Foundation, Ireland; Central Bank, Ireland
    The aim of this report is to examine the extent and variety of interest rate restrictions within the EU and further afield with a view to assessing the appropriateness of introducing such a restriction in the Irish market given its specific circumstances and financial environment. Moneylending is a form of lending which is legislated for and is subject to authorisation and regulation within the boundaries of the relevant legislative provisions. All licensed moneylenders in Ireland are currently subject to a restriction on their maximum APR and total cost of credit. They are currently licensed to charge up to 188.45% excluding collection charges and up to 287.72% including collection charges. It is important to note the distinction between interest rates and annual percentage rates (APRs). The latter shows the true cost of the loan as it includes both the interest and any fees and charges. It is important to note also that the shorter the term of the loan the higher the APR. Convenience and ease of access are often cited as the reasons why consumers engage with moneylenders, despite the high cost of moneylending credit. However, while it is convenient for the individual, there is a higher than necessary cost for the individual, their family and the wider community. The overall remit of policy, legislation and regulation should be to widen existing alternatives such as credit unions and the Personal Microcredit Scheme. It is in this context that the appropriateness of continuing a legislative provision that, from a customer viewpoint, allows extremely high interest rates and charges to be levied on those who can least afford to pay them can now be questioned. It is acknowledged that the success of any legislative change requires an accompanying infrastructure that will serve as the mainstream alternative to the moneylending sources of credit. The overall remit of policy, legislation and regulation should be to encourage and support existing alternatives, such as credit unions, which are currently the only and practical alternative.