CCBS’s political objective is to obtain powers of enforcement for the banking industry regulator, Financial Services Authority, with regard to the provision/retention of suitable banking facilities in local communities. In practice this is linked to the need for a much improved consultation and consideration process when closure (or downgrading) of a bank branch, in a rural or urban community is contemplated.

Actions to Date:

1. Corresponding with MPs who have shown a constituency based, or other interest in
   issue of bank branch closure: over 300 MPs of all parties written to.
2. Meetings and correspondence with Government Ministers and Opposition Spokesmen.
3. Evidence given to OFT/Competition Commission and Select Committees.
4. Respond to Government Consultation documents.
5. Contact established with devolved Scottish and Welsh Administrations.
6. Successfully lobbied for branch closure notice period in Banking Code but more obligations on banks necessary with regard to closures.
7. In dialogue with HMT Financial Inclusion Taskforce re consideration of shared branching following Treasury Committee recommendation based on our evidence.
8. David Drew MP hosted House of Commons launch of CCBS booklet “Bank Closure Problems – One Solution Fits All” on 27 November 2007.
9. In dialogue with the FSA re failures in the voluntary Banking Code process.