Oral Answers to Questions

Craig Tracey Excerpts

Tuesday 5th September 2023 Commons Chamber

[The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Gareth Davies)]

We stepped in during the energy crisis with £94 billion of support, including the energy price guarantee, which effectively paid for half of people’s energy bills. That was important while energy prices were high; wholesale gas prices have now come down.

[Craig Tracey (North Warwickshire) (Con)]

T6. As the Minister knows, free access to cash is a vital lifeline for many people, including some of the most vulnerable in all our constituencies. Can he confirm what steps he is taking to ensure that free access is protected and continues to be available across the country, particularly in North Warwickshire and Bedworth?

[The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Andrew Griffith)]

During the summer, we announced that we have given directions to the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of access to cash: it should be no more than 1 mile in an urban area, and no more than 3 miles in my hon. Friend’s rural constituency of North Warwickshire. That is the first time that the statutory right of access to cash has existed in law.