27 November 2007

Something for Everybody: New Ideas for Banking Provision from Campaign Group

At a House of Commons breakfast event today, hosted by David Drew, Labour MP for Stroud, the Campaign for Community Banking Services (CCBS) launched an appealing new colour brochure depicting a future banking scenario with gains for banks, customers, communities, financial inclusion and the environment.

Closure of easily accessible neighbourhood bank branches, and post offices, inflicts damage to the goals of community sustainability, financial inclusion and carbon reduction to say nothing of the immediate inconvenience to millions of individuals and small businesses, especially the most vulnerable: but a solution is available which can make a positive difference in all of these areas.

Derek French, Director of CCBS said:

“Shared branching is very flexible in its formats and could be introduced now at little or no cost by the big banks with benefit to hundreds of vulnerable communities. The model has something to offer to small post offices, credit unions, money advice needs and provides the banks with an opportunity to gain experience of a business model, already proven in America, which promises them substantial financial gains in the future.”

Speakers at the breakfast included Mervyn Kohler of Help the Aged, Mike Cherry from the Federation of Small Businesses as well as David Drew MP.

Contact:
Derek French
Director CCBS 
01582 764760

Notes for Editors

1. The publication “Bank Closure Problems – One Solution Fits All” is available at www.communitybanking.org.uk/reports.htm and case studies are available from CCBS.
   Pictures available electronically on request.
2. CCBS is a coalition of 25 national organisations concerned about bank branch closures, financial exclusion, community sustainability and the environment.
3. Over 3000 bank branches have closed in the last 10 years, more than 400 since January 2005.
4. The Treasury’s Financial Inclusion Taskforce is currently considering shared branching following a Select Committee recommendation.