Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Answer of 27 October 2025 to Question HL11028, on Bank Services: Vetting, whether (a) his Department and (b) the Financial Conduct Authority has made an estimate of incidences of debanking since the reforms of 2025, including debanking of media organisations.

Banking services play a vital role in everyday life, and the Government recognises the serious impact that losing access can have on individuals and businesses.

Decisions on the provision of these services are generally commercial matters for providers. However, the Government expects customers to be treated fairly. Legislation came into force earlier this year to improve protections where a provider terminates a customer’s account or service. Under these strengthened rules, banks and other payment service providers are required to give customers at least 90 days’ notice before closing their account or terminating a payment service, and provide a clear and specific explanation so the customer can understand why it is being terminated.

The Financial Conduct Authority is responsible for supervising firms’ compliance with relevant requirements and expectations, including those concerning account denials and closures. The Government works with the FCA to monitor developments across the sector. Where applicable, customers who are dissatisfied with a provider’s decision may complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.