mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Really excited to launch this to the world! Have lots of brilliant speakers lined up and more announcements to follow! Link to sign up is below and please do share! 010
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 09/09/2026The Consumer Vision for Payments was launched this week. Read about why this matters to @fairbydesign.bsky.social here: fairbydesign.com/launch-of-th... 000
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 30/06/2026Today we've launched new research Paying More for Less: The Poverty Premium in 2026. To mark the launch our Director, Rebecca Deegan, has written an article in The New Statesman on what a bolder approach to the poverty premium could look like. www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/ec...newstatesman.comAndy Burnham must redress the balance between markets, fairness and povertyTackling the "poverty premium" - the extra charges incurred by those on lower incomes - could help millions with the cost-of-living 122
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 08/04/2026Ending the poverty premium isn’t niche, it’s a popular idea with the public. Our latest blog turns our polling with YouGov into a set of data visualisations to tell the story of political attitudes on the poverty premium. Read the article 👉 fairbydesign.com/public-attit... 001
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 19/03/2026As the threat of another energy price shock looms it was good to catch up with energy sector colleagues at the @nea.org.uk annual reception last night. @adamscorer.bsky.social reminded us that one thing we know for sure is that rising energy prices will hit those already struggling the hardest… 000
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 17/03/2026The Government has announced support for heating oil to help vulnerable households, delivered through the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) from April, this is a welcome and necessary intervention. Our response 📷 002
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 12/03/2026Yesterday’s report by @thecccuk.bsky.social shows that the journey to net zero is an opportunity to reduce energy costs for everyone. We need to unite behind this and make sure it works for people on low incomes. 011
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 12/03/2026Our Director, Rebecca Deegan’s, latest article in The Actuary looks at the poverty premium in car insurance - and why actuaries have a key role in making motor cover more inclusive. www.theactuary.com/2026/03/10/r...theactuary.comRoad worthy: insurers must make motor cover more inclusiveFor those on low incomes, having a car can be a vital resource – but they’re often priced out when it comes to insurance. 011
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 25/02/2026Today’s energy price cap announcement is welcome news, with the typical annual bill dropping by £117 a year. However, the ‘standard credit premium’, the added cost for paying your bill when it arrives, is still £131 a year. Watch @mariacbooker.bsky.social explain the issue. 022
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 05/02/2026It helps people spread the cost of annual travel tickets removing potential poverty premium’s and offering a model that could be replicated across the country. 001
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 05/02/2026We’re always keen to highlight local initiatives that successfully tackle the poverty premium, which is why we’ve written a blog about the Soundpound scheme in Greater Manchester. fairbydesign.com/soundpound-r...fairbydesign.comBlog: How Soundpound's Partnership is Making Transport Affordable in Greater ManchesterRead our blog which shares good practice on reducing the poverty premium in Manchester. 101
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 27/01/2026Some words from our Head of Policy, @mariacbooker.bsky.social, looking back at our Give Me Some Credit exhibition. The article is a deep dive on the process we followed and looks at the value of involving people with lived experience in our work. www.civilsociety.co.uk/governance/g...civilsociety.co.ukFair By Design: Give me some creditFair By Design teamed up with the Poverty Alliance to document through photography the real-life stories of 14 people who had been denied affordable credit. Maria Booker reports... 012
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 02/02/2026It's been a busy January for all those concerned with making energy affordable for all...a few thoughts from us... 010
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 20/01/2026Disappointed to see that the Government White Paper on water does not include proposals for a national water social tariff. This means people on low incomes will continue to face a postcode lottery when it comes to getting help with their water bills, forcing them into potential water cutbacks. 032
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 19/01/2026Important new research from @responsiblecred.bsky.social 👇 010
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 14/01/2026Great news that Trump is a supporter of affordable credit! But I spoke to @bigissue.com about why telling firms to ⬇️ APRs could just ⬇️credit on offer. @fairbydesign.bsky.social supports a Fair Banking Act which requires all big banks to do their part in ensuring affordable credit is available... 000
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialThe Fair Banking for All Campaign @fbfacampaign.bsky.social · 12/01/2026📢 On Wednesday @gareththomasmp.bsky.social will table the Financial Exclusion & Access to Finance Bill, taking action on access to #AffordableCredit through #FairBankingAct proposals. Read about it in @guardianheather.bsky.social's article. #FairBankingForAll www.theguardian.com/business/202...theguardian.comLending to small businesses and low-income areas must expand, say Labour backbenchersSenior politicians have tabled bill that would force UK banks to make affordable finance more accessible 045
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 26/11/2025See our response to the Budget in the 🧵👇 010
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 29/10/2025Great to see the ESNZ Committee calling out the energy market for entrenching the poverty premium. The report supports our calls to get rid of the premium for paying on receipt of bill, and for an energy social tariff. 101
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 08/09/2025It was a privilege to attend the launch of the Poverty Strategy Commission’s framework for tackling poverty this morning, having been involved in the advisory group. Thinking about what we at @fairbydesign.bsky.social can do to help make the suggested social contract a reality 🤔 001
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 27/08/2025Our Head of Policy @mariacbooker.bsky.social on today’s new report into targeted energy bill support ⬇️ 011
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 24/07/2025How can inclusive design become business as normal within Government, regulators, & firms? If you are interested in this topic- we would love to hear from you! @fairforyoucic.bsky.social www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-do...linkedin.comHow do we promote inclusive design at every level in financial services?The Government is expected to publish its Financial Inclusion Strategy later this year. It is essential that this is shaped by people experiencing financial exclusion using the principles of inclusive... 011
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 22/07/2025Today The FCA has published new analysis on the motor insurance market which shows many of the factors that have increased the cost of car insurance are outside of consumers’ control. Here is the response of our Director, Rebecca Deegan. 111
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 23/07/2025Fantastic paper on how we can tackle the poverty premium in motor insurance from our Director Rebecca Deegan... 000
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 15/07/2025New Financial Services Growth & Competitiveness Strategy reiterates Treasury's intention to review regulators' 'have regards'. We call on Treasury to maintain the FCA's 'have regard' to financial inclusion so that consumer protection remains an important cornerstone of growth. tinyurl.com/ye2523hftinyurl.comLeeds Reforms to rewire financial system, boost investment and create skilled jobs across UKRed tape cut and savers supported to invest as Chancellor rewires financial system to boost growth 012
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 24/06/2025Good to see that energy bills can be cut quickly when there is a will. Look forward to the Government slashing energy bills for those on low incomes via a social tariff... @fairbydesign.bsky.social #energysocialtariff 011
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 18/06/2025A huge thanks to the lived experience expert speakers who shared their stories yesterday at our event on affordable credit and financial inclusion. It’s vital that these voices help shape policy and the design of financial services. 033
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 06/06/2025Our Head of Policy @mariacbooker.bsky.social spoke at the Local Government Association Financial Inclusion Webinar this week. Here 📹 Maria explains how No Interest Loan Schemes in the North East are helping to provide credit to people who can’t currently access it. 011
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 05/06/2025A clip from yesterday's Energy Security and Net Zero Committee session with our Head of Policy @mariacbooker.bsky.social, as she discusses the importance of long term energy bill support, in the form of a social tariff. 032
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 03/06/2025Can local No Interest Loan Schemes (NILS) help low-income households to weather financial bumps in the road? A case study from County Durham. Read our latest case study on how NILS is helping people get back on their feet. fairbydesign.com/we-launch-ne...fairbydesign.comWe launch new case study on local No Interest Loan Schemes in the North EastToday we are publishing a new case study showing how local No Interest Loan Schemes (NILS) are successfully helping people avoid paying the poverty premium. 102
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialEnd Fuel Poverty Coalition @endfuelpoverty.bsky.social · 27/05/2025📣Join us to demand action on Warm Homes! On Wednesday 28 May, health workers will gather outside the Department of Health to call for a fully funded Warm Homes Plan, and we’re proud to support them. [1/5] 112
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 23/05/2025However, if you pay when you receive your bill, you will be paying £15 more for your energy on average from July! @fairbydesign.bsky.social survey shows that most people don't know they are paying extra for paying by standard credit or think the "extra" is only a small amount... rb.gy/q8sd2l 000
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 15/05/2025So exciting to have this up and running - what a fantastic bunch! Thanks to @povertyalliance.org for making it happen! And thank you to David Reilly @morganvine.bsky.social & David Southgate for taking the time to share their experience of involving people with lived experience in their work... 021
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 08/05/2025Parliament was looking lovely last night for the @nea.org.uk annual reception. We were reminded by @kirstysnp.bsky.social about the ongoing impact of #fuelpoverty. @adamscorer.bsky.social was as inspiring as ever making the case for an ambitious response. Thanks to Baroness McIntosh for having us. 011
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 06/05/2025So proud to see Charlotte and Beth's stories in the @bigissue.com - do have a read! 000
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 30/04/2025"With an increasing number shops card-only, the committee said prices would rise for essential goods & services in the remaining outlets that accepted cash" Cash helps many low-income households budget, it's important they aren't charged more for using it in shops. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukShops could be forced to accept cash in future, MPs warnThere is no data on how widely cash is accepted which puts the UK at risk of becoming cashless, a report warns. 011
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 31/03/2025Mike Brewer from the @resolution explaining how a lack of savings can lead to #povertypremiums at the @nestinsight.bsky.social Easier to Save event… @fairbydesign.bsky.social 001
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 19/03/2025Discussing FlexMyRent trial in Nottingham today with @responsiblecred.bsky.social and sharing @fairbydesign.bsky.social s research on flexible payments in energy. Would be great to see flexibility being used more to boost financial resilience! 000
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 19/03/2025New research from @which-uk.bsky.social shows paying monthly for car insurance, rather than in one go, costs more. No one should have to pay more for essential cover because of how they can afford to pay. uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/car-hom...uk.finance.yahoo.comThe car and home insurers charging 'exorbitant' interest rates on monthly paymentsSome car and home insurers continue to charge 'exorbitant' interest rates on monthly payments, research by consumer group Which? has found. 123
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 11/03/2025Fantastic to be in the beautiful @scotparl this evening and to be reunited with some of the wonderful #Givemesomecredit gang! Thanks to @benmacpherson and Financial Inclusion Scotland for another opportunity to share the exhibition #povertypremium @povertyalliance.org @fairbydesign.bsky.social 012
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 11/03/2025Let’s make the most of this opportunity - if you think the current credit system is unfair please email your MP #povertypremium #FairBankingAct 012
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Millions of people who can’t access #affordablecredit have to pay a #povertypremium. A Fair Banking Act would mean fair access to credit for people currently excluded. Brilliant to see this issue covered in Michael Sheen's Secret Million Pound Giveaway.buff.lyMichael Sheen's Secret Million Pound GiveawayMichael buys £1m of debt from hundreds of people in Wales. And then writes it all off. 042
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 11/03/2025"One of the things I want to make clear is that just stopping the bad guys is not enough if you don’t support better alternatives. Because people will still need access to credit.”buff.lyMichael Sheen on why he wrote off £1m of people's debtsAhead of Michael Sheen's Secret One Million Pound Giveaway on Channel 4, the actor has given an exclusive interview to Big Issue. 032
mariacbooker.bsky.social @mariacbooker.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Very excited to watch this! And great to have @mchshe.bsky.social backing a #FairBankingAct @fairbydesign.bsky.social 031
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialEnd Fuel Poverty Coalition @endfuelpoverty.bsky.social · 04/03/2025🗣️New research from Medact and Warm This Winter highlights the severe health impacts of cold homes and high energy bills in the UK, with frontline healthcare workers witnessing the consequences firsthand. #WarmHomes #EnergySecurity 232
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 10/02/2025Brilliant to see Give Me Some Credit: The Reality of Life Without a Safety Net exhibition in Parliament, hosted by the APPG on Fair Banking with Poverty Alliance 🖼️🖼️ 111
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 10/02/2025🚨 Give Me Some Credit: The Reality of Life Without a Safety Net 🚨 We worked with @povertyalliance and 14 people with lived experience to document what it means to be locked out of affordable credit. 📸 Explore the online gallery nowbuff.lyHomeFair By Design is dedicated to eliminating the poverty premium in the UK. Discover our mission to ensure essential products and services are accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of… 21513
Reposted by @mariacbooker.bsky.socialFair By Design @fairbydesign.bsky.social · 05/12/2024We welcome the new Financial Inclusion Committee which will advise Government on its financial inclusion strategy. www.gov.uk/government/n...gov.ukHelp for vulnerable Brits to access banking and credit in spotlightPeople with poor credit histories could receive new support to access banking, affordable credit and other financial services. 111
