WIREDGOV

In a report published yesterday - Access to cash machines for basic bank account holders - the Treasury Committee has urged RBS and Lloyds TSB to remove their restrictions on customers with basic bank accounts using cash machines run by other banks or independent third parties.

In response to the Treasury Committee's inquiry, Barclays, HSBC and Santander all made a public commitment to continue to provide basic bank holders with unrestricted access to cash machines. In the report, the Treasury Committee makes clear its intent to write to the other providers of basic bank accounts asking for similar clarification.

Commenting on the report, the Chairman of the Treasury Select Committee, Andrew Tyrie MP, said:

"Restricting access to cash machines could compromise the network. In certain areas, more than a third of ATMs could be placed at risk if other providers of basic bank accounts were to take similar action or to remove themselves from the LINK system.

The Committee understands the need for banks to control costs, particularly in these difficult times.

In this instance, the financial benefits to Lloyds and RBS appear relatively small but those affected would be amongst the most vulnerable people in society.

The public commitment provided by Barclays, HSBC and Santander to continue to provide basic bank account holders with unrestricted access to cash machines is to be welcomed given the current model for banking and bank charges. I hope other providers will do the same.

In the longer run, both the way services are offered to customers and the charges they pay need reform to secure greater banking competition."

Further Information

• LINK Scheme Briefing Paper for Treasury Select Committee ( PDF 273 KB)
• About Parliament: Select Committees
• Topics: Financial institutions