I've been ask to supply my statutory credit report

JimmyRetrograde

I'm working with a national organisation which provides grants, as well as loans (which I have zero interest in). I've been asked to supply them with my statutory credit report from Experian in order to continue to receive support from them. Can they insist on this? My concern is they're trying to get this info for free from me, when they should be paying for it themselves and then potentially using it to push me towards an unwanted loan rather than a grant. I also have no idea what else they do with that information once I hand it over and how long they'll keep it for. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

BoGoF

If that is their process, they can ask you for it. You are entitled not to provide it and they would then be entitled to reject your application if that is part of the application process.

Which organisation is it?

JimmyRetrograde

I'd rather not say at this stage. I just have issues about why an organisation is asking to see my credit file if I'm not interested in obtaining any credit

MorningcoffeeIV

Credit files aren't checked only for purposes of gaining credit. eg ID, rental, employment etc

prettyandfluffy

I suppose it's possible that they apply some sort of affordability criteria in assessing grant applications and may give preference to awarding grants to people who wouldn't be eligible for a loan??   I would ask them how the information will be used and what assurances they can give you about data protection.

Nasqueron

The report doesn't tell you who is eligible for a loan, unless they do a credit check by running your details through the CRA themselves, all they know is what credit you have available and cannot infer anything from that (beyond basic things like someone with 10 defaults isn't likely to get a loan)

DullGreyGuy

JimmyRetrograde said:

I'm working with a national organisation which provides grants, as well as loans (which I have zero interest in). I've been asked to supply them with my statutory credit report from Experian in order to continue to receive support from them. Can they insist on this? My concern is they're trying to get this info for free from me, when they should be paying for it themselves and then potentially using it to push me towards an unwanted loan rather than a grant. I also have no idea what else they do with that information once I hand it over and how long they'll keep it for. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Talk to them, only they will be able to tell you how long they keep it for etc. 

As to can they? Yes. You want their money you have to follow what they ask else they are free to refuse to give you more monies.

JimmyRetrograde

prettyandfluffy said:

I suppose it's possible that they apply some sort of affordability criteria in assessing grant applications and may give preference to awarding grants to people who wouldn't be eligible for a loan??   I would ask them how the information will be used and what assurances they can give you about data protection.

Everyone they work with is entitled to a grant up to a certain amount regardless of background and circumstances.  Beyond that amount it is based on need and affordability.  But my request is below this limit. 

Brie

Is it a charitable organisation?

Every credit report they run will cost them.   Maybe they are trying to conserve funds so they can give more grants.