FINANCIAL SERVICES AND CHARGES

Early day motion 1363, tabled 26 April 2007 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 48 members.

That this House notes that too many financial service providers charge a premium to the poorest members of the community; notes that these charges include illegal overdraft fines, charges for using cash machines, and the higher amount paid by customers who have electricity and gas meters; observes that these charges greatly impinge on poorer communities; recognises that these forms of charges are in fact worsening levels of poverty and debt and for many people amount to a life sentence of hardship; and calls on the Government to look into ways in which the poorest members of society can be protected from the premium on their poverty.

Signatures by party: Labour 31, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 5, DUP 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, UUP 1.