Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 04 March 2026 [Draft]
04 Mar 2026 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Banking Charges for Charities and Not-for-profit Organisations
I just want to point out that, while I completely agree that we should be critical of the banks that apply these charges to local groups that do so much work, we should recognise that some banks do not do so. At this point, I should say that I am a Co-operative Party member. My understanding is that the Co-operative Party runs a banking system that does not charge fees for charities. We have also seen the expansion of banking hubs to make it easier for local groups to access banking where there is a shortage of branches, which helps them to access a variety of different types of account.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur)
LD
The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-19214, in the name of Jackie Dunbar, on banking charges for charities and not-for-prof...
Jackie Dunbar (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP)
SNP
I thank every member who took the time to sign my motion in order to allow the debate to go ahead.“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world ...
Liam Kerr (North East Scotland) (Con)
Con
I thank Jackie Dunbar for bringing the debate to the chamber, and I acknowledge the contributions of Danestone church, in particular, and Age Scotland, which...
Mercedes Villalba (North East Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
Will Liam Kerr take an intervention?
Liam Kerr
Con
I do not think that I have time for an intervention, unless—
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur)
LD
I can give you the time back, Mr Kerr.
Liam Kerr
Con
In that case, I would be delighted to take the intervention.
Mercedes Villalba
Lab
I thank Liam Kerr for taking the intervention. I will make it brief.On the point about the banks having benefited from the bailout, does Liam Kerr agree that...
Liam Kerr
Con
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 pu...
Jamie Hepburn (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP)
SNP
I am pleased to speak in support of the motion that Jackie Dunbar has lodged on an issue of importance to communities the length and breadth of Scotland. My ...
Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab)
Lab
Will the member give way?
Jamie Hepburn
SNP
Yes, of course.
Claire Baker
Lab
I just want to point out that, while I completely agree that we should be critical of the banks that apply these charges to local groups that do so much work...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Liam McArthur)
LD
I can give you the time back, Mr Hepburn.
Jamie Hepburn
SNP
I am not sure that I would have given way if I had known that the member’s intervention was going to be an advert for the Co-operative Party, but I take her ...
Paul O’Kane (West Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
I thank Jackie Dunbar for lodging the motion and for the debate that has ensued. I enjoyed much of her speech—if she does not obtain ministry in the Parliame...
The Minister for Equalities (Kaukab Stewart)
SNP
I thank all members who have contributed to this afternoon’s debate, especially Jackie Dunbar, who very passionately articulated the essence of her motion.Ac...