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Some banks are still pretending to be “disabled” by coronavirus, Labour former cabinet minister Lord Blunkett has said.
Speaking in parliament, the peer urged the government to intervene to get the industry to start putting people first.
He made his criticism as the Lords heard that more than 800 branches had shut or were set to close, and just four shared banking hubs had so far opened.
Waves of closures have fuelled concerns about the ability of customers, especially the elderly, to access their own money easily, and for small businesses to deposit takings.
Lord Blunkett said: “There are still some banks pretending that they are disabled by COVID and that is why you cannot get through on the phone, and the local branch is closed so you cannot actually talk to anyone.
“Will the minister ask the banks to start putting the customer first and ensure that there are facilities available, not just at the odd hub but in local communities which, in the past, could rely on serious, person-to-person customer service?”
Responding, Treasury minister Baroness Penn said: “He is right that it is essential that the interests of consumers are properly considered in all areas of financial services. There is the new consumer duty, which is due to be implemented later this year.”
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