Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Banking Services (Post Offices)

02 March 2021 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Duncan Baker Con Orchwood

HousingCommunity SecurityLocal Government

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Duncan Baker raised concerns about banking services (post offices) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Mr Baker declared his past experience as a sub-postmaster and highlighted the closure of bank branches, emphasising the impact on elderly and vulnerable people.
  • Mr Baker proposed a Bill to mandate major banks to provide banking services through post offices, ensuring access for all communities, particularly those in economically distressed areas.
  • Mr Baker cited statistics showing that 5,000 branches closed between 2010 and 2018, with closures disproportionately affecting poorer regions.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Duncan Baker Con Orchwood

Mr Baker declared his past experience as a sub-postmaster and highlighted the closure of bank branches, emphasising the impact on elderly and vulnerable people. He proposed a Bill to mandate major banks to provide banking services through post offices, ensuring access for all communities, particularly those in economically distressed areas. Mr Baker cited statistics showing that 5,000 branches closed between 2010 and 2018, with closures disproportionately affecting poorer regions. The pandemic has further accelerated these trends, leaving many without essential banking services. He argued for the importance of post offices as a community resource, providing support to over 300,000 vulnerable individuals through informal means.

Other contributors (1)
  • Duncan Baker Con Orchwood

    Mr Baker emphasised that banks have an obligation to ensure access to banking services for those unable or unwilling to use digital methods. He noted the risks of predatory lending in areas lacking traditional financial institutions and highlighted the post office network's importance, generating over £1 billion annually for local economies. The Bill aims to make such provisions legally binding to prevent future withdrawals of services from post offices.

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