Meeting of the Parliament 04 March 2026 [Draft]
The point that is being made is that the public bailed out those banks, and I think that it is morally dubious for the banks then to charge that very same public, which kept them afloat and solvent, for running community services. I am sure that Mercedes Villalba will expand on the point later, but I think that it is an interesting point that was well made.
This debate is not about undermining the viability of sustainable banking; it is about recognising the distinct role of non-profit organisations in Scotland. Community groups are, in general, not profit-seeking enterprises; they exist to meet local need, promote inclusion and improve overall wellbeing.
There is genuine concern across Scotland that already-stretched resources are being eroded by banking charges. Money that is raised for public benefit should be used for the purposes for which it was gathered, not to bolster bank profits. Banking arrangements for small charities should reflect their scale, function and social value. Banks should support Scotland’s voluntary sector, not incrementally burden those groups. I join my colleagues across the parties in the chamber in hoping that the banks think again when it comes to the charges.