Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the banking sector on (a) the availability of banking services to the third sector and (b) improving accessibility for charities to open bank accounts.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been unprecedented demand for banking services, this accompanied with working restrictions due to social distancing has meant banks have faced significant capacity pressures which has limited their ability to meet demand for bank accounts, among other things.

Banks continue to work hard to meet this demand. Ultimately, the decisions about what products are offered and to whom remain commercial decisions for banks and building societies. While I recognise the important role of the third sector, I hope you can appreciate that it would be inappropriate for the Government to intervene in these decisions.