Unity Trust Bank has revealed that its lending has increased by 56 per cent in 2015 to £46.8m, according to its Social Impact Report.

The social impact lender says that the value of loans lent to organisations which offer community, economic, social or environmental benefits has increased by 56 per cent. In 2014, loans worth £29.9m were made. The actual number of loans has only increased from 57 in 2014 to 59 last year.

Unity reinvests customer deposits as loans for organisations that contribute positive social change such as registered charities and Community Interest Companies. The lending creates housing, community finance and community and care assets.

The report shows that 44 per cent of loans made by Unity went to registered charities. Other loans went to trade unions, companies, community interest companies and industrial and provident societies.

The sector to borrow the most from Unity was the housing sector at 27 per cent. Community development financial institutions made up for 25 per cent of borrowing.

These loans have led to the creation and protection of 3,773 job, the creation of 502 bed spaces through the build, purchase or renovation of housing, the bank said. Additionally, 13 community facilities were purchased or preserved.

Darrin Nightingale, director of customer, propositions & corporate affairs at Unity Trust Bank, said: “Social impact and financial sustainability are at the core of Unity Trust Bank’s business ethos and we are proud to support our customers in these key areas. £46.8m, a 56 per cent increase from 2014, is a tremendous lending milestone and we look forward to building on this as the bank continues to grow.

“As a bank for socially motivated organisations, we hope to help even more customers this year and further 2015’s success.”  

Staff fundraising at Unity also raised £4,700 for good causes in 2015.