HOMELESS PEOPLE IN THE UK TO GET BANK ACCOUNTS – The UK government has launched its new national financial inclusion strategy
The United Kingdom has launched a new national financial inclusion strategy — and for the first time — people experiencing homelessness will be able to open bank accounts with the country’s five largest lenders.
The Treasury says the new approach is intended to ensure that financial services “work for everyone”.
Under the scheme — Lloyds, NatWest, Barclays, Nationwide and Santander will remove the normal requirement for a fixed address when opening an account.
Ministers say this is designed to break the cycle in which homeless people are unable to secure work or accommodation — because they cannot access basic banking.
The initiative is being delivered in partnership with the homelessness charity Shelter — which will verify identity and support individuals through in-branch appointments.
The model builds on an existing programme with HSBC — which has already enabled around seven thousand people without a permanent home to open accounts since 2019.
The strategy follows an extensive review led by the Treasury — aimed at widening access to banking, and helping some of the most vulnerable in society move towards long-term financial stability.
