Motion NDM6240 as amended:

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the importance of easily accessible financial advice and banking services to individuals and businesses in all communities in Wales.

2. Regrets the closure of bank and building society branches in communities across Wales.

3. Welcomes the work of the Welsh Government in promoting financial inclusion, including support for advice services and credit unions, and the ambitions set out in the 2016 Financial Inclusion Strategy for a well-functioning and comprehensive financial system in Wales.

Recognises the need for the Welsh and UK Governments to work together with partners to improve access to affordable credit and financial services and information for individuals, including debt advice.

Recognises the need to improve financial capability in Wales and notes the work being undertaken to establish the Development Bank of Wales and its intelligence unit which will better target financial services and advice for micro, small and medium sized businesses in Wales.

5. Welcomes the independent ‘Access to Banking Protocol One Year on Review’ by Professor Russel Griggs OBE, published in November 2016.

6. Welcomes the new Post Office Partnership agreement with UK Banks.