DWYFOR Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts has launched a petition calling on HSBC to overturn its decision to introduce charges for community bank accounts.

The petition, launched on Mrs Saville Roberts’ website, calls on HSBC not to introduce their new proposed charges on community groups and to “reverse their harmful decision”.

The MP previously wrote to HSBC boss Noel Quinn, saying: “I would like to point out the adverse and far-reaching impact of these proposed changes to many societies and non-for-profit groups in my constituency and beyond.

“I call on you as a business to review the changes you outline for Community Accounts, and to take on and accept your social responsibility to communities here in Gwynedd and across the UK.”

Mrs Saville Roberts’ office has not yet had a response from HSBC.

The petition to HSBC reads: “We believe there will be an adverse and far-reaching effect on a number of community groups and charities in Wales if these proposed charges go ahead.

"HSBC should not introduce these new charges and instead take on and accept their social responsibility to our communities here in Wales.

"Community groups have supported people during the Covid crisis.

"These additional charges could be too expensive for many of them to re-establish themselves. It’s about time HSBC shouldered their responsibility.

"Sign this petition calling on HSBC to reverse their harmful decision.”

The petition can be found at www.dwyformeirionnydd.wales/petition_hsbc

HSBC want to charge £5 a month charge per account for community groups, a 40p charge per cheque, and a fee of 1.5 per cent to supply over-the-counter change.

The proposed changes will come into effect on 1 November 2021.

HSBC has been asked to comment.