Better help for the vulnerable

BANK customers with mental health problems should be able to elect a family member to take charge if their spending gets out of control, experts say.

According to a new think-tank, 93 pc of sufferers spend more when they’re unwell. Those with bipolar disorder, for example, can spend thousands in a manic episode without even realising.

The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute says banks should have to call a named person if they notice a customer spending in an unusual way.

MMHPI founder Martin Lewis, says: ‘We need the financial services industry to take this issue seriously.’