MEMBERS of the Southampton-based Foresters Friendly Society have been urging MPs to support actions aimed at providing people on lower incomes with the opportunity to save and protect themselves against further financial hardship.

They took the opportunity to make the case for change during a parliamentary reception at the House of Commons.

Foresters' chairman Dave Watkins said: "People on low incomes have the right to save and protect themselves against further financial hardship.

That is why the friendly society movement was formed.

"We understand and support the need to protect all consumers from receiving poor financial advice, but we are concerned that current measures are actually hindering the less well-off from having the basic financial services they want and need.

"We believe government, regulators and the friendly society movement now have to work together to develop policies, regulations and products that are appropriate and affordable."

Dave Watkins also used the opportunity to present a cheque for £10,000 to the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Across Trust towards the purchase of pressure mattresses.

He has organised a year-long Relieve The Pressure appeal to buy mattresses which can reduce the incidence and misery of bed sores among disabled people.

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