Funded by Santander as part of its effort to support the community finance sector, the study focuses on how to develop affordable financial services in London with the solutions it outlines intended as a blue-print for the sector in general.

Banking services and low-income households (Financial Inclusion Taskforce) A report examining attitudes and behaviours towards banking and financial management among low-income households, including those who are unbanked and those who had recently opened an account. It calls on the government to engage with banks, e-money service providers, bill payment organizations, retailers, and the Post Office to pursue new ways to tackle financial exclusion and to improve the opportunities for low-income households to make the most of their money.

Tackling financial exclusion through ‘jam jar' accounts (Social Finance) A report examined the commercial viability of new banking products that actively supported people to manage their money - reducing the risk of debt and bill payment arrears, and at the same time enabling access to lower-cost products and services through automated bill payments and online shopping.

Access to bank accounts through the Post Office (Consumer Focus) The consumer rights watchdog said that the Post Office had the potential to become a ‘neighbourhood bank' - offering access to bank accounts for all, regardless of provider, and improving access to face-to-face banking services.

Future of cheques (Treasury Select Committee) A report by a committee of MPs welcomed the ‘belated' decision of the Payments Council to retain cheques: but it warned the Council of the need to ensure that the banks did not attempt to abandon cheques by stealth, or deter customers from using cheques. It recommended that the Payments Council should be brought formally within the system of financial regulation.