A press release on the 21st November by the British Bankers’ Association states that new voluntary guidelines to help bank customers with mental capacity problems make a ‘helpful contribution’ to ensuring that banking services are accessible to all.
The guidelines, which were produced by the Money Advice Liaison Group in consultation with the BBA, aim to build awareness among bank staff of the particular needs of borrowers who have mental health problems.
It was reported that Angela Knight, BBA’s chief executive said: “Banks are keenly aware of the difficulties that customers can face when they get into financial difficulty. These can be particularly acute for those suffering from a mental health problem.”
“We have worked with MALG in developing its guidelines and many of our members already meet a number of these guidelines as best practice. Some employ specialist staff to help such customers who find themselves in financial difficulties. The BBA will now look at the guidance in detail with our members to see how we can further reassure customers with mental health problems that they can save and borrow safely and responsibly.”
