Signature is meeting with Lord Shipley tomorrow, 5 September, to discuss arranging a debate in the House of Lords on deaf access to telephone banking.
Lord Shipley has an interest in deaf issues, having previously tabled a question in the House of Lords on improving deaf access to telephone banking.
The proposed debate aims to highlight the barrier to communication that deaf people face on a day to day basis, and make the case for change. They often experience difficulties in accessing telephone banking because the banks do not accept calls via a sign language interpreter or text relay service. The shortage of properly manned textphones and the lack of confidence of banking staff in dealing with deaf customers over the phone also pose an issue.
It is encouraging to see that some high street banks have made progress in recent times. Lloyds TSB and Royal Bank of Scotland have introduced video relay service to improve their customer service for Deaf people. Other banks must follow their example and make their service more accessible. .
We continue to work with Lord Shipley to move forward with this issue, watch this space for further updates.
