The economic effects of the pandemic are being felt as much in lower-income countries as they are here at home. But by coming together we can campaign to challenge the growing debt crisis.

There are some big campaigns coming in the next few weeks, but in the meanwhile, here is a selection of things to read, watch and share for this week.  

There’s a new debt deal in town. At the end of last year, the twenty most powerful countries in the world (the G20) launched a new programme for countries to deal with debts in the wake of Covid. The issue is, it still doesn’t include debts owed to big banks and speculators. 

This is a problem when three of the countries that need it most, and who have already applied, Chad, Zambia and Ethiopia owe 53% of their debts to private banks. Here is Tim’s blog for more information.  

We’re going to be campaigning on this heavily in the next few months – so watch this space! 

Here’s another opportunity for you to see this mischievous feature documentary produced by artist and filmmaker team Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn. Bank Job tells the story of a community coming together to make their own currency and open a ‘peoples’ bank. In doing so they examine how money and debt is created and ask important questions about how the system of money creation might be altered in our favour.  

Eva Watkinson, our Head of Campaigns will be speaking together with John McDonnell MP and academic Johanna Montgomery on the panel after the film, on 26th February. Get tickets here

More and more people in the UK are getting into debt. The advice charity StepChange predicts that almost 3 million people will be at risk of long-term debt problems as a result of the pandemic. The Insolvency Service is holding a consultation on ideas to improve Debt Relief Orders, which are meant to be a safety net. But what they’re proposing doesn’t go far enough.  

People with experience of debt (and Debt Relief Orders) are invited to take part. By saying what needs to be improved, thousands of people could be helped with their debts across they UK. Please share this survey. Deadline is this Friday (26th Feb)

And please remember, don’t face debt problems alone. Click here for details of where to go for debt advice.

As always, we hope you and your loved ones are safe and well, 

All the best, 

Zak, Eva, Tim and the JDC Team