I would agree with the Member that everybody should be able to access a bank within a certain distance. This is something that we called on the UK Government to examine very carefully. I’ll come to the Griggs review shortly, but I think the Member is right in his assertion. Financial innovation and trends in society have clearly led to many branch closures. Many Members today have spoken of the huge strides that have taken place in terms of emerging digital technology. Of course, the financial crisis back in 2008 resulted in a number of branches closing due to banks consolidating and merging.

The British Bankers’ Association estimate that as a consequence of changes to digital technology and new applications, and bank mergers, the number of people going into branches fell by around 30 per cent between 2012 and 2015—a remarkable fall in such a short space of time. In terms of paying in money and making withdrawals over the counter, I think it is important to remember that 95 per cent of all banking customers can access their bank accounts via the Post Office. This is particularly important in areas where banks have closed. Although Post Office matters are, of course, a non-devolved matter, we are keen to support post offices across Wales. In January, it was announced that the Post Office had signed an agreement to provide nearly all of the large banks’ personal customers and 75 per cent of its small business clients with some face-to-face services, such as depositing cash and cheques and reviewing bank balances. Now, before that announcement, various banks offered more limited access through the Post Office, covering just 40 per cent of business customers. The new deal includes the established high-street banks and some of the challengers, such as TSB and Virgin Money. Although I realise that post offices can’t replace bank branches, this development is welcome, and I will continue to encourage banks and the Post Office to do all they can to ensure our communities and businesses benefit from this initiative.

Turning to the Griggs review, it made a number of recommendations to improve the way the banks engage with those communities facing branch closures. It includes working with small business customers to see how they can further mitigate the challenge of cash deposit and collection that closures bring to some of them. The recommendations also included the need for better engagement and communication between the banks and their customers, and to carry out meaningful, genuine consultation if a branch faces closure. This is something I have raised with Barclays and HSBC over the past few months, encouraging them to implement Professor Griggs’s recommendations and to work closely with the Post Office to ensure our communities and businesses benefit from these initiatives. I know that the First Minister discussed these matters with the CEO of RBS just recently as well.

Promoting financial inclusion is a key priority for the Welsh Government during the fifth Assembly. The 2016 financial inclusion strategy sets out how we aspire to work with partner organisations in Wales and at a UK level to improve access to affordable credit and financial services. The financial inclusion delivery plan was published in December, and it sets out the actions and measures required to increase financial inclusion across the country. The actions and financial implications of the plan are not only for Welsh Government. It aligns with the actions contained within related strategies, including the financial capability strategy for Wales, the Wales credit union strategy, and the information and advice action plan, to reflect the strategic approach being taken.

So, I am pleased to respond to this debate today. Members have spoken of the importance of credit unions, and there is no doubt that they can and should grow stronger, potentially through strategic mergers. With regard to the suggestion from Plaid—a people’s bank—discussion has already taken place with the PPIW to assess such a concept. That work should be undertaken with due regard to the creation of the development bank for Wales, which Members have spoken of, as well as new and emerging digital technologies, the potential of credit unions, and new financial institutions, such as Chetwood, which I was delighted to announce is moving to north Wales from London just last week. As I say, I am pleased to be able to respond to this debate today and to assure Members—