Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that financial services provided through banking hubs and the Post Office are accessible and inclusive for blind and partially sighted people.

The Government is committed to ensuring high standards of financial inclusion across the financial services sector, including the accessibility of services for blind and partially sighted customers.

Financial services provided through banking hubs and the Post Office must comply with the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) rules, which require firms to provide a prompt, efficient and fair service to all customers, including those with disabilities. These services are also subject to the Equality Act 2010, which requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people can access services on an equal basis.

The FCA’s Consumer Duty further requires firms to act in good faith, avoid foreseeable harm and support customers to pursue their financial objectives, including by ensuring that information and services are accessible.

Industry, including LINK and UK Finance, is working with accessibility charities such as the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to ensure that emerging shared banking services reflect the needs of blind and partially sighted people. This includes considering accessible design and tailored support within banking hubs.

The Government continues to monitor progress closely as part of its wider commitment to inclusive access to financial services.