Mid-Scotland and Fife MSPs, Liz Smith and Murdo Fraser, have written to RBS over the proposed mobile banking schedule in Perth and Kinross, following news of huge cuts to similar services in the Highlands.
Customers in Kingussie will now get a 20-minute weekly visit from a mobile bank- previously this was 1hr and 30 minutes. Kingussie is not alone and an additional ten Highland communities are having their mobile banking cut, with customers in Spean Bridge only getting 15 minutes to access services.
RBS have claimed that the reduced schedule reflects the changing way in which people are accessing services.
Scottish Conservative MSPs, Liz Smith and Murdo Fraser, have authored a joint letter to RBS asking for reassurances regarding mobile banking in Perth and Kinross. RBS bosses recently presented mobile banking as a viable alternative following planned closures in Comrie, Aberfeldy and Pitlochry.
Commenting Liz Smith MSP said:
“Stopping in a town for 15 or 20 minutes might be good enough for an ice cream van or a fishmonger but not for those wanting to access banking services.
“Customers in Comrie, Aberfeldy and Pitlochry have been assured that they will receive adequate mobile banking if their branch is to close and I have written to RBS to seek assurances on this front. After all, I am sure customers in Kingussie or Spean Bridge were given these same guarantees before their services were cut.
“Ultimately, it’s incumbent on RBS to provide proper access to banking services if they continue to close branches, and 20 minutes a week is not enough to service demand in Comrie, Aberfeldy and Pitlochry.”
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“We all know that banking is changing, but customers in Highland Perthshire want reassurances from RBS that they won’t downgrade mobile banking if they do go ahead and close the Aberfeldy and Pitlochry branches.
“Fifteen minutes is barely enough time to withdraw cash, let alone conduct more complex business and who knows what happens if there is a queue during these slots.
“Customers in the Highlands are angry that schedules are being cut to the bone, and many in Perth and Kinross are worried that the same will happen to them.
“Out with access to a physical branch, mobile banking is viewed as the best alternative and I would encourage RBS to properly commit to providing this in Perth and Kinross.”