CASH MACHINE CHARGES, POST OFFICE CARD ACCOUNT AND FINANCIAL EXCLUSION

Early day motion 2005, tabled 20 April 2006 by Michael Weir (Scottish National Party). Signed by 53 members.

That this House is deeply concerned at the increase in the number of fee charging cash machines; notes that one third of all cash machines in Scotland now charge for withdrawals and that bank customers are being charged £1 million each month for access to their own money; believes that such charges are unacceptable at a time when banks are making record profits; further notes that Government policy in pushing for payment of pensions and benefits into bank accounts at a time when many banks are pulling out of rural and deprived urban areas is forcing more and more of the less well off to use such machines, eating into their already inadequate incomes; further believes that the threat to the Post Office Card Account, which is the only alternative in many areas, will further affect the less well off and lead to an increase in financial exclusion; and urges the Government immediately to reverse its decision to end support for the Post Office Card Account and to press the major banks to ensure that everyone has free access to their own money.

Signatures by party: Labour 25, Liberal Democrat 8, Conservative 6, DUP 6, Scottish National Party 4, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.