LLOYDS TSB AND SCOTTISH CHARITIES

That this House notes with regret the recent decision by Lloyds Banking Group to cut its Scottish charitable foundations funding worth an estimated 6 million annually; notes the concerns raised that many Scottish charities face closure, job losses and scaling down as a result of the loss of funding; further notes that Scottish charities are set to lose 22 million over the next nine years as a result of the bank's new proposals; further notes that over the past year Lloyds Bank has received over 40 billion in Government aid; recognises that the charitable foundation is an independent body which operates to a covenant put in place by an Act of Parliament; applauds the work of the foundation which since its establishment in 1985 has delivered more than 12,000 awards totalling nearly 85 million to disadvantaged people and communities across Scotland; and urges the bank to reconsider its funding cuts decision.