The government’s long awaited response to the Treasury Select Committee’s much hyped inquiry into cash machine charging, released today, is another example of the banking sector being let off the hook when the government should be seeking a commitment from the industry to ensure continued provision of at least one free access site in communities where branches close.

In its response government professes concern about locations where a free access alternative is not available but offers little comfort to communities where bank branches are closed.

Derek French, Hon Director of the Campaign for Community Banking Services (CCBS) said:

“The government’s response fails to protect vulnerable consumers and communities. In the face of increasing branch closures and increased access costs, the government can only suggest the use of the post office (an option not available to 60% of current account holders) and cashback, which is only available in large supermarkets and rarely in smaller communities. The vulnerable in society are, once again, being penalized so the banks can make larger profits. At a minimum, the government should be calling on the industry to continue to provide free access to banking services where branches close.”

That no commitment is sought from the industry to ensure continued provision of at least one free access site in communities where branches close is deplored and CCBS calls on the big banks to make a joint pledge to that effect voluntarily in recognition of their moral and social responsibility.

Contact
Derek French
Hon Director
Tel : 01582 764760

Notes to Editors

1 Details of the CCBS coalition are at www.communitybanking.org.uk
2 CCBS advocates a shared banking approach to the provision of free ATMs and neutral counters in communities unable to sustain separate banking presences.