A report launched today by the Lending Standards Board (LSB) drives financial inclusion for d/Deaf customers in the banking and credit industries.

An estimated 11 million people in the UK experience hearing loss of some kind. The report by the primary financial self-regulatory body includes insights from leading community representatives and provides key insights and considerations for ensuring financial services firms understand d/Deaf cultures and how they can ensure accessibility for this vital community.

Tom Pursglove MP, Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work, supported the report, commenting in his Foreword: “Financial services impact all areas of life. That’s why it is so important that we in the UK do all we can to have a fully inclusive financial services industry that works for everyone, regardless of access needs.

[The report] is an important step towards the shared goal of ensuring that all consumers can bank in a way which is accessible for them.”

Emma Lovell, Chief Executive of the Lending Standards Board, commented, “We are delighted to release this report, which provides a much-needed spotlight on the challenges faced by the d/Deaf community when accessing banking and credit services. Putting accessibility at the heart of design and delivery helps ensure that every customer can have full and independent access to banking and credit, creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for all customers, including those with hearing loss. By using this report to consider how they currently treat d/Deaf customers and those with hearing loss, firms can continue to improve to deliver better outcomes for all."

The report forms part of the LSB’s inclusion report series for banks and lenders registered with the LSB’s best practice Standards and Codes, and those yet to sign up. The first report on inclusion in business banking for disabled customers and those with other access needs can be found here.