ACTION NEEDED TO PREVENT FURTHER RURAL BANK CLOSURES- WILLIAMS (Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrats)

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Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrats <info@brecon-radnor-libdems.org.uk>

ACTION NEEDED TO PREVENT FURTHER RURAL BANK CLOSURES- WILLIAMS

2012 Chwefror 21 4:47 PM
Cyhoeddwyd yn wreiddiol gan Roger Williams MP

ACTION NEEDED TO PREVENT FURTHER RURAL BANK CLOSURES- WILLIAMS

Brecon and Radnorshire MP Roger Williams used today's Westminster Hall debate to highlight the damaging effect bank closures have on rural communities.

The debate has been widely seen as a success having achieved cross party consensus stressing the need for a Banking Summit and the consideration of pilot schemes for Community Banking facilities, in order to maintain access to financial services in rural areas.

Having secured the debate, Roger said "I am not prepared to allow the closures to go unnoticed. By bringing the issue to the attention of the Government and right hon. and hon. Members, I intend to bring it to the attention of the big four banks, and a number of other banks. These large organisations have a social duty to which they should attend."

Commenting, Mr Williams said:

"The closure of HSBC in Presteigne is a great shame as the branch is still widely used. Commercial pressures, for example reaching mortgage sale targets has meant that the major banks have forgotten the responsibility they have to rural towns and communities."

"All banks have benefited from Government action-quantitative easing, for instance-and just about all banks are dependent or have depended on measures that the Government have brought forward. It is time to sit down and see what can be achieved to help these communities."

Ends/diwedd

Links: Roger's speech: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/hansard/commons/todays-commons-debates/read/unknown/6/