EDM 1521: Bank charges for micro-charities

That this House is concerned by the introduction of bank charges on accounts held by charities and community organisations with annual incomes ranging from £1 to £250,000; notes that this change disproportionately affects micro-charities and grassroots groups, including those with incomes of only a few hundred pounds per year, for whom even modest fees represent a significant burden; further notes that these charges risk undermining the financial viability of essential local organisations that provide vital services and support in communities across the UK; recognises that micro-charities, defined as those with annual incomes of £0–£10,000, often operate entirely through volunteer effort and rely heavily on small donations and minimal resources; and therefore calls on banks to implement a minimum income threshold of £10,000 before account fees are applied, to safeguard the work of the smallest charities and community groups and ensure they can continue their contributions without facing avoidable financial hardship.