Prisoners to get Halifax bank accounts as they prepare for release

By Sarah Whitebloom

Last updated at 3:01 PM on 6th November 2011

The Halifax is to offer bank accounts to prisoners across the country as they prepare for release.

The campaign aims to sever the link between reoffending and the lack of access to basic financial services.

Many released prisoners have struggled because bank accounts can be vital when seeking jobs, benefits, grants and allowances.

And it is almost impossible to find accommodation without a bank account.

By next April, Halifax, owned by Lloyds Banking Group, expects to be offering basic banking facilities in 20 jails.

Anthony Warrington, director of current accounts at Halifax, said: ‘Not having an account is a real barrier to reintegration into society.’

The bank will become the largest account provider for the sector with about 5,700 accounts per year being opened for prisoners.

Basic money management training will be offered in prisons with the support of the Halifax and UNLOCK, the national association of exoffenders.

Christopher Stacey, head of projects and services at UNLOCK, said: ‘The accounts will give people released from prison a chance to secure employment and become contributors to their communities.’

Strict guidelines will govern the accounts. To be eligible, prisoners will have to be less than 12 months from release, they must not be undischarged bankrupts or guilty of financial crimes and they must undergo all the usual identity checks.

Prisons Minister Crispin Blunt said: ‘We welcome this new service that can help offenders resettle on release. ‘A bank account makes it possible for offenders to go straight into employment.'