Perthshire MP introduces bill to safeguard rural services

High street banks that pull out of rural communities will have a legal obligation to ensure sufficient services are left in place, if a bill from a Perthshire MP becomes law.

MP for Ochil and South Perthshire Luke Graham has introduced a bill to the House of Commons that will change the law relating to rural banking and small communities.

It aims to ensure taxpayerbacked banks put adequate provisions in place on leaving a community – such as ensuring the local post office can take deposits and withdrawals.

It will also seek to establish a community fund of £100,000 for each branch closure to help support local customers.

Mr Graham said: “The treatment of our rural communities by our banks, especially those that have been bailed out by the British taxpayer, just isn’t right.

“In some parts of my constituency, those with no access to their own vehicle are expected to make a 50-mile, two-hour round trip by bus to access their bank.

“This is hardly going to become more bearable as we head into the cold months of winter.

“For any further closures, a rural weighting should be added to ensure the Post Office has the resources to cope, and that local geography, weather patterns, public transport, broadband and mobile coverage are considered.

“It would give additional heft to hold the banks to account and ensure rural communities are not abandoned.”

He said the private members bill had passed its first stage.

Bills must pass through three stages in the House of Commons before going on to the House of Lords.