Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stuart Andrew and Simon Kirby

Tuesday 17th January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con)]

10. What progress has been made on improving access to online and in-branch banking for carers.

[The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Simon Kirby)]

Banks are required to treat customers fairly and ensure that vulnerable customers have appropriate access to banking. My hon. Friend and I met recently to discuss this, and I am pleased to hear that both the Financial Conduct Authority and the British Bankers Association have offered to meet my hon. Friend to discuss it further.

[Stuart Andrew]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for meeting my constituent Annie Dransfield, who, as a carer for her adult son, manages his finances in the hope that he will be able to live as independent a life as possible, but she has real issues trying to access his online banking. Given the increasing number of carers in the country, does my hon. Friend agree that the banking industry should do all it can for these very important customers?

[Simon Kirby]

The FCA and BBA are both looking at ways to make it easier for trusted friends or family to help people to manage their money safely, and I wish my hon. Friend luck with his meetings.