Probe into banks' customer relations
THE breakdown in the relationship between banks and their customers, including small businesses, will be raised on Monday when a UK Parliamentary body visits Inverness.
Representatives from the region’s commerce, business and housing organisations will give evidence to the Parli-amentary Commission on Banking which is carrying out a major review of
professional standards and culture of the banking sector.
The commission was set up in July and this will be the furthest north it has travelled.
The panel, chaired by John Thurso, Lib-Dem MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, will meet at Cowan House, the headquarters of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, at Inverness Business and Retail Park.
Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said significant issues include the changing of banking terms and conditions which can pose challenges for his members. "Although it may not be widespread, I think there has been a breakdown in the relationship between banks and their customers," he said.
The Federation of Small Businesses intends to raise members’ concerns about access to flexible and affordable finance.
But well-known Inver-ness businessman Kit Fraser, who stood for election as a Ban Bankers’ Bonuses candidate in last year’s Scottish elections, fears Monday’s hearing is a PR stunt. "I don’t think anything will change," he said.
A commission spokesman explained the panel was continuing the work of collecting evidence, on the small to medium enterprises and consumer experience of banks in Scotland.
The session is open to the public and anyone wanting to attend should call 020 7219 8772/8773.
