MP disappointed after meeting with RBS

A meeting held at Westminster earlier this week to discuss the proposed closure of a number of Royal Bank of Scotland branches has been branded a“disappointment”.

The UK Government’s Scottish Affairs Committee met with executives from the bank on Wednesday, with the future of premises in Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, Comrie, Kinross and Perth South Street – which are all set to close in May and June this year – on the agenda.

A paper petition signed by more than 500 people who are against the Aberfeldy closure was also presented at the meeting.

However, Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire and chair of the committee, was left unimpressed by how the proceedings went.

He said:“The whole committee has been left disappointed with the unsatisfactory appearance of RBS executives at the Scottish Affairs Committee.

“They seem to not be listening to the deep concerns from communities right across Scotland over their branch closure programme. It is abundantly clear that RBS did not consult with anyone over their plan to close a third of their branches.

“They do not seem to appreciate just how devastating the loss of a bank can be to a local community, and quite how important easy access to banking services is to individuals and businesses.

“Nor do they appear to have any intention to reconsider their position, despite the views expressed by local people, or by the witnesses we heard from - Scottish Rural Action, Unite Scotland and Scottish Chamber of Commerce.

“Instead they could not rule out further branch closures.

“At a minimum, RBS needs to show greater care for their customers and show more openness in how they reach decisions that have such serious consequences for so many people.

“As a committee we will carefully consider what we have heard today and may take further steps.”