The oldest municipal credit in France, the Avignon establishment – whose pawnbroking activity dates back to April 1610, it was then called Mont-de-piété – is setting up a solidarity initiative during this holiday season end of year. Meeting last Tuesday, the board of directors voted for a free clearance operation.
Scheduled to last until December 31, “ it concerns all pawn loan contracts where the amount lent is less than or equal to 50 euros and will allow the customers concerned to return their item without reimbursing either capital or interest », Indicates Crédit municipal d'Avignon, which also has branches in Carpentras, Arles and Valence.
« In a difficult context, with rising energy and food costs, we want to try to influence this Christmas and do something for the most deprived. This is a first since 2018 », says David Fournier, deputy (PS) to the mayor of Avignon and vice-president of Crédit municipal. The operation should affect 79 customers for a total amount of 3,500 euros. They will all be contacted directly by Municipal Credit.
Jewelry, paintings or bottles of wine for cash
« We are a regulated public service, decentralized by the State in 2005 », recalls David Fournier. Pawnbroking allows, in an emergency, people in difficulty who need cash to obtain it against the deposit of valuable objects, often jewelry, watches, but also sometimes paintings or bottles of wine. wine. “ The contract is for six months, renewable indefinitely to repay the money. And if, ultimately, people definitely want to get rid of their item, we organize an auction whose additional profits, if any, go to them. », Indicates the elected socialist.
Crédit municipal manages an annual flow of 9 million euros and employs around thirty agents. Like a bank, the establishment also offers different types of loans, credits and investments. “ During Covid, we offered preferential rate loans for people working on the front line such as nurses, doctors or garbage collectors.recalls David Fournier. As soon as finances allow, we implement actions like these. »
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