RBS CLOSURES IN NORTH AYRSHIRE

Early day motion 639, tabled 4 December 2017 by Patricia Gibson (Scottish National Party). Signed by 19 members.

That this House condemns the decision of the Royal Bank of Scotland to close its branches in Kilbirnie, Saltcoats and Kilwinning; recognises that this follows the closure of the Royal Bank of Scotland branch in West Kilbride, and the closure of bank branches across North Ayrshire and Arran by Clydesdale Bank and TSB; understands that local communities, particularly elderly and disabled residents, will suffer because of this decision; notes that branch closures in Kilbirnie, Saltcoats and Kilwinning will effect adversely local businesses and town centres; is concerned by the uncertainty over the future of bank staff who may face redundancy; further understands that commitments made by RBS not to close a branch where it was the last one in a community has been abandoned; further notes that this decision was taken without consulting customers, staff or local businesses; further recognises the sense of betrayal at such closures given that the taxpayer is a majority shareholder in RBS; and urges RBS to reconsider these closures, so that North Ayrshire and Arran communities are not deprived of the opportunity to bank locally.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 13, DUP 2, Labour 2, Independent 1, Liberal Democrat 1.