Dyslexic woman claims credit union denied her a loan because she can't read

Angela Wakefield (50), of Addison Square, Dinnington, approached Laser Credit Union for cash last Friday and initially staff agreed to fund her.

But when they found that she could not read the contract, they withdrew the offer, she said.

The credit union this week insisted Ms Wakefield’s reading problems had not been factor.

But her partner, Andrew Bowers, said Laser was guilty of “discrimination”.

Ms Wakefield, who has learning difficulties including dyslexia, said: “They wanted me to read something and I told them that I can’t read."

“They said they couldn’t give me a loan then. I asked if they could read it, or my partner Andy, but they said I had to read it myself.

“I got rather upset. I felt really bad.”

She hoped to borrow money for a car, as her bipolar disorder and agoraphobia make getting around on public transport impossible.

Mr Bowers (52), who is also her carer, recently had to scrap his car and the couple need to replace it.

He said: “I think it’s disgusting. She is disabled and has mental health issues too.

“Credit unions are supposed to be for people who can’t access banks and she went there and she was refused.

“At first, they said Angela could have the loan, because her credit history is good. Then they changed their minds at the last minute.

“They tried to give her a reading test in front of everyone, staff and customers — she was so upset and embarrassed, she cried outside.

“Her daughter has written them an email to complain — it’s 2018 and this is discrimination.”

Mr Bowers added: “I can get a loan at the end of July, but we can only walk about for the moment and we had hoped to get a car before then.

“I don’t understand why they couldn’t have read Angela the terms on tape and recorded her response.

“I wouldn’t want this to happen to anyone else. And I hope that they will change their policies in future.”

A spokesman for Laser said Ms Wakefield’s learning difficulties were “not a factor ins this case”.

He added: “Our office manager has spoken to Angela and explained that there had not been a pre-approved loan, therefore no withdrawal of the offer.

“Angela’s partner has asked for the complaint to be referred to the board of directors and the loan decision reviewed.

“We are happy to do this, but there will be a short delay as the director who deals with such matters is away this week.”