Banking Hubs

Debate between Rachel Blake and Dave Doogan

Wednesday 20th May 2026 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Blake]

My hon. Friend makes important points about access to banking services across a number of different areas. I am grateful to him, and I hope we can continue to discuss this issue.

We now have very little time left—

[Dave Doogan (Angus and Perthshire Glens) (SNP)]

On that point, will the Minister give way? [Laughter.]

[Rachel Blake]

I will.

[Dave Doogan]

I am grateful to the Minister for giving way. Could she give my constituents some comfort that after the review—I am certain it will find that the current criteria set out for Link by the FCA are deeply flawed and exist in a random, abstract form that bears no resemblance to local people’s circumstances—places such as Pitlochry will be able to revisit Link and the FCA’s flawed decisions?

[Rachel Blake]

I disagree—I think that the hon. Gentleman goes too far in his criticism of the criteria. It is important that the Government continue to monitor how these banking hubs are assessed and the need for them.

I will close by talking about—