HSBC UK doubles availability of accounts to help homeless people get access to banking

Following a successful pilot in Liverpool, HSBC UK launched a service in December 2019, where people without a fixed address can open a bank account when accompanied by their caseworker from charities such as Shelter, Crisis and Centerpoint, using the address of the charity supporting them. Homeless people can now open a Basic Bank account with HSBC UK, without the need for photo ID or proof of address. HSBC UK has now made the service available in 77 branches across the UK and 235 of its staff have been trained to provide specialist support.

The availability of the service, which has helped more than 430 people to access a basic bank account so far, is being extended to provide double the coverage across the UK. It comes as winter approaches, which is typically the most challenging time of the year for those with no fixed address, living on the streets, in hostels or sofa-surfing with friends or family.

The Government recently asked local authorities in England to house all rough sleepers and those in hostels and night shelters, in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. This was an opportunity to discuss their financial circumstances and provide the help needed to move to the next step of setting up a bank account for many homeless individuals. HSBC UK has opened 100 bank accounts for homeless people since March, despite the challenges.

Maxine Pritchard, Head of Financial Inclusion and Vulnerability at HSBC UK said: “Homelessness is a huge issue affecting the UK and this is a critically challenging time for many people. Having access to a bank account makes it easier and safer to receive benefits and salary, and is an important building block for financial independence and security.

“Since we launched the service, we have delivered specialist training to all customer-facing colleagues so they can have these sensitive conversations, and we are pleased to now offer the service across 77 of our UK branches - because no-one in today’s society should be without a bank account.”

Traditionally, banks require photo identification such as a passport or drivers licence as well as proof of address, which could be a council tax or energy bill - documents which many homeless people may not have or can find difficult to keep safe without a fixed address. Having a bank account can make it easier to claim benefits, receive wages and pay rent.

Maxine continued: “We have worked in close partnership with charities such as Shelter to ensure that we can offer help to customers without a fixed address across our UK branch network and we continue to explore ways that we can further support.”

John Glen MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said: “I firmly believe that everybody should have access to financial services, regardless of their circumstances. That’s why I welcome HSBC UK’s efforts to make bank accounts more widely available to vulnerable people who don’t have standard ID or a fixed address. It will help even more homeless people access basic banking services, and provide a stepping stone to other opportunities like a job and rented accommodation.”

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “This pandemic has intensified our housing emergency, making thousands of people newly homeless and in some cases plunging people into street homelessness.

"With this deadly virus still at large, the sanctuary of a safe home has never been so important. Having to battle the weather and survive day-to-day on the streets is difficult enough. But not having a bank account can make life that much harder, in terms of receiving wages or accessing financial support.

"So we’re pleased to continue our partnership with HSBC UK as they expand this important service across the country. Meaning more people who are street homeless can be given the financial independence that will help them re-build their lives.“

HSBC UK is the largest bank in Europe to offer accounts for homeless people. The scheme is based on its pioneering ‘Survivor Bank’ service which involves working with human trafficking and modern slavery charities to open bank accounts for survivors.

For more information visit: www.hsbc.co.uk/togetherwethrive

Media enquiries to:

Penny Edwards, HSBC UK | penny.f.edwards@hsbc.com | 07920419987
Email: UKPressOffice@hsbc.co.uk

For the latest news and updates, visit the HSBC UK newsroom:
https://www.about.hsbc.co.uk/news-and-media

HSBC UK doubles availability of accounts to help homeless people get access to banking (4-page PDF 165KB)