9. Short Debate: Banking Services in Cymraeg

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:09 pm on 14 December 2022.

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Photo of Jane Hutt Jane Hutt Labour 6:09, 14 December 2022

I'm absolutely focused on ensuring equality of access for all the people of Wales in whatever geographical, cultural and personal situation they find themselves. I do thank Jack Sargeant for bringing forward the debate, and welcome the focus of this debate on banking services in Cymraeg and our ambition to make Wales a truly bilingual nation. 

But, of course, the responsibility for our financial services in the UK, including banking, isn't devolved to the Senedd. So, Welsh Government can't ensure banking availability, but we're very closely working with those who are able to do so. And in relation to this particular issue, we have to look to our Welsh Language Commissioner, who has a responsibility to work with the banking sector in Wales and to encourage them to treat the Welsh and English languages equally. This includes offering assistance in developing suitable technology to help them in providing Welsh language services. So, it is very disappointing to hear about this situation that affected your constituent. What an awful situation with that newborn baby in Wales, and the fact that the IT system used by Halifax didn't support that fully bilingual online service. And it just demonstrates the concerns that you and all of us and the Welsh Government share that online banking is not an alternative, I would say, to a physical branch either. But, you have made an impact already—the Member has made a huge impact by getting a response from the Financial Conduct Authority, so that's a real win in terms of your influence and the role of this Senedd, and our Senedd Members, and particularly Jack Sargeant, I would say, in relation to this issue.