Manchester's homeless to be given help to open bank accounts

Homeless people in Manchester and across the UK are being given help to open basic bank accounts.

It's with the help of HSBC UK who have launched a service where homeless people can open a bank account when accompanied by a caseworker and using the address of the charity supporting them.

According to Shelter, up to 320,000 people are facing homelessness across the UK. HSBC hope having a bank account will make it easier to claim benefits, receive wages and pay rent.

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.

Maxine Pritchard, Head of Financial Inclusion and Vulnerability at HSBC UK said: “At HSBC UK we’re committed to offering support to those who would otherwise be excluded from banking. No-one in today’s society should be without a bank account and it’s up to financial organisations to make banking more accessible.”

“Opening a bank account can give homeless people a true sense of independence. Not only is it required in order to receive benefits and wages, but it’s also a secure mechanism for looking after their money rather than having pockets of cash, which makes them vulnerable.”

It's being rolled out after a summer trial but now the Fixed Address service is live in 31 branches in major UK cities, including in Manchester's St Anns Square.