BANK CHARGES AND THE POST OFFICE CARD ACCOUNT

Early day motion 85, tabled 15 November 2006 by Michael Weir (Scottish National Party). Signed by 59 members.

That this House notes with concern that First Direct is to introduce a £10 monthly charge for those current account holders who do not deposit at least £1,500 per month, or keep a balance at that level; is concerned that other banks may follow suit and that the proposed charge will have a substantial effect on those on low incomes; notes that many people have to pay charges to withdraw their own money from ATM machines; is concerned that if the Post Office Card Account is withdrawn without a similar account being in place many families will be unable to operate accounts without charges which will eat even further into their already inadequate incomes; and urges the Government to reverse plans to withdraw the Post Office Card Account or, if they are not prepared to do so, immediately to make clear that a replacement simple bank account without charges will be made available through post offices once the Post Office Card Account is withdrawn.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 24, Labour 18, Conservative 6, DUP 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Independent 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.