Following the conclusion of my meetings with the CEOs of the main banks on the tracker mortgage issue, I issued a statement setting out the position and the next steps I expected to be taken towards resolution of this issue. I have asked the Governor of the Central Bank to provide me with a progress report by around mid-December on whether each of the banks have made acceptable and sufficient progress in line with their commitments. I have also mandated the Central Bank under section 6A of the Central Bank Act 1942 to prepare a report for me on the current cultures and behaviours and the associated risks in the retail banks today and the actions that may be taken to ensure that banks prioritise customer interests in the future.
The outcome of these reports will feed into my examination of possible further changes to the framework for the protection of consumers of financial services. I would also welcome any proposals that the Deputy may have in this regard.