ACCESS TO LOCAL BANKING SERVICES

Early day motion 822, tabled 13 July 1999 by Martin Salter (Labour). Signed by 89 members.

That this House is concerned at the number of closures of district branches of major banks and the increase in semi-automated branches which present major difficulties for small retailers as well as the elderly, the disabled and the visually impaired; calls upon the Government to consider appointing an independent banking regulator with powers to require local access to basic banking services for people in both rural and other areas away from town and city centres; and condemns Lloyds TSB for introducing a national pilot automation scheme in the Reading area in breach of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and before holding meaningful discussions with customers and representatives of vulnerable groups within the local community.

Signatures by party: Labour 62, Liberal Democrat 16, Conservative 4, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 1.