That the Parliament regrets the latest round of bank closure announcements from Bank of Scotland and other operators across Scotland and the UK; further regrets what it sees as the failure to properly consult with customers and local businesses before closure decisions are taken; notes the calls for all high street bank operators to consider adopting a “branch promise” to halt future closures and to prevent banking deserts developing; expresses concern regarding what it sees as the fragile future of rural banking, including in the South Scotland region, and notes the calls for Link and Cash Access UK to do all they can to fully maintain access to cash and banking services when high street banks close branches.
Supported by:
Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Sharon Dowey, Jackie Dunbar, Tim Eagle, Russell Findlay, Kenneth Gibson, Dr Pam Gosal MBE, Dr Sandesh Gulhane, Liam Kerr, Stephen Kerr, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Douglas Lumsden, Fulton MacGregor, John Mason, Edward Mountain, Emma Roddick, Douglas Ross, Paul Sweeney (Registered interest)
, Mercedes Villalba, Annie Wells, Tess White, Brian Whittle