BASIC BANK ACCOUNTS

That this House welcomes Citizens Advice Scotland's most recent research report, Banking on the Basics, outlining issues experienced by people living in Scotland in accessing basic bank accounts; notes the finding that one in 10 public survey respondents did not have a bank account, though two-thirds of these had tried to open one; further notes the report's findings that a number of people living in Scotland are unable to open a bank account because they have a poor or no credit history, for being unable to meet setidentification requirements, for owing monies to a bank, or due to an undischarged bankruptcy; acknowledges that access to bank accounts is essential for receiving wages, accessing affordable credit, receiving lower utility bills and for financial inclusion; recognises that Citizens Advice Scotland's use of client evidence means that it speaks with authority on effects of policies and practices adopted by financial service providers in Scotland; urges the Government to pursue recommendations made in the report; and calls on the Government to introduce a universal right to a bank account for all.