Access to Banking

The Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee agreed to undertake a short inquiry into Access to Banking in Wales.

Summary

To examine the impact of bank branch closures in Wales on local businesses, consumers and the Welsh economy and to explore what steps can be taken to address any issues identified by the Committee.

Terms of reference

To do this the Committee looked at the following:

• The current position regarding access to banking services in Wales, to include issues relating to financial inclusion and digital inclusion.
• The variety of ways in which branch closures and access to free ATMs can affect local communities (for instance the impacts from a business, tourism, social, demographic and regeneration perspective).
• To understand the potential process, benefits and challenges involved with establishing a community bank with multiple branches in Wales.