Andrew met with Treasury Minister Bim Afolami on Monday 18th of March to raise the challenges that rural communities, particularly in West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine like Ballater and Braemar, face in banking and access to cash.
Andrew was pleased to hear that a review is now underway by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) that will seek to change the criteria for whether a Banking Hub is appropriate for a particular community.
The review will see that clusters of communities be taken into account, which has been noted as specifically relevant to rural communities in Scotland.
Andrew said that he is “pleased that this is being looked at and addressed. This is good news for rural communities across the United Kingdom and in particular communities along the Dee in West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine.”
It is expected that the review will be unveiled by 13 2024.
Andrew added that he “will continue to advocate for our rural communities and their access to vital services like banking.”
