7 December 2007
Consumer group Citizens Advice has welcomed a move by the Government to improve access to banking in the UK.
The Government has launched a financial inclusion plan in a bid to help people join the financial mainstream.
MPs hope to open up doorways to provide entry-level bank accounts for people with no banking history, upgrades to accounts to give customers access to greater choice and more services, as well as tips on how to save in secure and well-regulated ways.
"Citizens Advice really welcomes the government's announcement today that over the next three years a further £76 million will be invested in money advice services to help people on low incomes deal with problem debts," Teresa Perchard, Director of Public Policy said
Indeed these comments are echoed by British Bankers' Association Chief Executive Angela Knight who added: "We understand that banks and banking can still be daunting for some people so we aim to help new customers by offering clear and friendly help and information to ensure everyone gets the financial service they need."
Recent figures released by the BBA show 167,511 entry-level bank accounts were opened in the last quarter.
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