Llywydd, it's been a pleasure to listen to the contributions this afternoon, and I'd like to thank in particular Russell George for chairing the committee's investigation into access to banking as well as, of course, the members of his committee. Clearly, a great deal of effort has gone into producing this excellent report, engaging with relevant partners and stakeholders, and I'd like to thank every member of the committee for their hard work. 

As the committee report notes, the loss of banks and the services they offer to citizens and to businesses from our high streets is not a new concern. However, the scale of closures continues to escalate at an alarming rate, and we've heard of numerous communities today that have lost their high-street banks in recent times, because traditional banks are retreating from all communities across Wales, and this is why the commitment, working with stakeholders, to explore the principle and establish a community bank of Wales was included in the First Minister's leadership manifesto. 

As the First Minister confirmed earlier this month, the partnership created by Banc Cambria and the Community Savings Bank Association is completing a detailed project plan, and an initial market assessment and feasibility study is under way, with input from both the Development Bank of Wales and Cardiff University. And I very much look forward to receipt of that report. 

Now, I do note the committee has some concerns about the feasibility of the community banking proposal and its potential impact on credit unions in particular, but work is already well under way to ensure that credit unions and the community bank and building societies work in collaboration to find the very best solutions to improve access to banking services. And this work is focused entirely on ensuring financial inclusion for all people across our country. 

Now, Welsh Government officials have also met with the Welsh credit union network to explore opportunities to collaborate whenever and wherever possible. Bank closures and the loss of free-to-use ATMs within communities can have a negative impact for many, but particularly for those who are vulnerable and financially excluded. The Welsh Government is concerned that those on low incomes, the elderly and people living in rural communities are not left behind. Whilst online banking and cashless transactions may be an option for many, we must not forget that some people will struggle, and more vulnerable groups will still need access to cash or to bank branches locally. 

Now, our vision for financial inclusion is for everybody living in Wales to have access to appropriate and affordable financial services. And the committee's report rightly recognises that many elements of this issue are reserved to the UK Government. Now, I note that the committee calls on the UK Government and the JACS group to review whether the access to banking standard is sufficiently robust to address the impact of bank closures on vulnerable people, on small and medium-sized enterprises and local communities. However, we are actively seeking and we will continue to seek opportunities to engage and to influence at a UK level. We must establish clear channels of communication where we can ensure the particular needs of Welsh citizens are heard and are also then met.