Leader welcomes agreement of banking motion

A motion calling on the UK Government to ensure communities in the Highlands have access to a minimum level of banking services has been agreed by Council.

Leader of the Council, Margaret Davidson welcomed the unanimous agreement of Council to an emergency motion tabled today, calling upon the UK Government to ensure a minimum standard of banking services in Highland communities. She said: “These closures have just not been thought through in terms of the impact they will have on many customers and small businesses.

 “While acknowledging the changing nature of banking and the rapid growth of digital banking services, there are many for whom this is neither a practical option, nor one they are comfortable with. So it is vital that they have access to physical face-to-face banking services. There is no arrangement that allows RBS customers to access the full range of banking services at their local Post Office. The services available are limited and not as extensive as those for the customers of other banks.  RBS clearly does not care about its customers in these areas.

“The Council is therefore calling on the UK Government to ensure communities, particularly vulnerable customers and small businesses, have access to day to day banking services by establishing and enforcing a guaranteed minimum level of service provision for essential banking services, including access to free to use cash machines.”

A motion calling on the UK Government to ensure communities in the Highlands have access to a minimum level of banking services has been agreed by Council.

“The Highland Council expresses its deep disappointment at the news of further branch closures by the Royal Bank of Scotland. This will cause real difficulties for many customers and small businesses.

“While acknowledging the changing nature of banking and the rapid growth of digital banking services, there are many for whom this is neither a practical option nor one they are comfortable with. So it is vital that they have access to physical face-to-face banking services.

“The Council therefore calls on the UK Government to ensure communities, particularly vulnerable customers and small businesses, have access to day to day banking services by establishing and enforcing a guaranteed minimum level of service provision for essential banking services.”

The motion was signed by :   Cllrs M Davidson, C Smith, R Laird and B Lobban