Yes, I do recall that and it's a valid point to make. I think that there are issues with the Post Office not being able to provide the full service for businesses that banks can, even if it's to access cash or change, for example, where notice has to be given in advance, amongst other issues as well. But, no, the point is well made by Hefin David. 

Our inquiry did also focus on the First Minister's ambitious manifesto commitment—and it was ambitious—to support the creation of a community bank in Wales before the 2021 Assembly elections. So, we did hear lots of scepticism about the feasibility of Banc Cambria's community banking proposal, and it really was quite a bit of scepticism indeed. So, our report reflects that evidence. The current banking service model is clearly failing, and there are compelling arguments, I think and the committee thinks, in favour of a new approach. But the community banking model is untested. I think that's the key here: that model is untested. 

A key concern for the committee is how the Welsh Government intends to manage the long-term risks associated with its financial support to Banc Cambria, and I'm not—and neither is the committee, I don't think—convinced that the Government's response fully answers that question. Obviously, there are commercial sensitivities and Banc Cambria needs time to get through the licensing process, but we'll need to keep a close eye on developments. The Welsh Government says that it's considering the potential impact that Banc Cambria may have on credit unions and the Post Office network. The recognition that there must be no duplication or negative impact on existing service provision I think is very important, and the planned stakeholder engagement plan is welcomed.

We also called for other partnership ideas to be actively pursued and, although it’s disappointing that recommendation 14 was only accepted in principle, it does sound as if the Welsh Government is open to other opportunities to improve banking provision. It's important to continue to explore all avenues, especially as it’s still not clear how Banc Cambria can meet the needs of older people, disabled and vulnerable customers who need appropriate, face-to-face services.

The response to our recommendation 10, on action to support digital inclusion, is also positive, and in particular Welsh Government plans to support teachers delivering financial education to the younger generation so they can become financially literate citizens as well I think is very welcome. This is a hugely complex policy area, where Welsh Government has to work hard with the levers at its disposal. Our inquiry was only able to scratch the surface, but hopefully we have shone a light on the difficulties that people in Wales face in terms of accessing banking and banking services.

So, I do look forward to hearing the views of colleagues on committee and others and the Minister and I, of course, commend this report to the Assembly, Deputy Presiding Officer.