Credit Unions have criticised a UK-wide policy that will seek to collect levies - from banks, building societies and also credit unions - to help fund the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The scheme was used to rescue five major UK banks that were close to bankruptcy recently. Credit unions, known for their social aims, have attacked the policy for being expected "to pay for the misdemeanours of these socially irresponsible banks" and have expressed their indignation at being unjustly penalised for the "unsustainable business practices of the major banks".