People without fixed addresses are to receive support in opening bank accounts.

As part of the Government’s new Financial Inclusion Strategy, major banks will be delivering a pilot project with housing and homelessness charity Shelter, designed to help those at risk of experiencing homelessness find paid work.

The scheme will enable people without fixed addresses to open bank accounts, eliminating a ‘major barrier’ faced when seeking employment or a home.

Following HSBC’s existing partnership with Shelter, the pilot project has been developed to include five further banks: Lloyds, NatWest, Barclays, Nationwide and Santander.

According to the Government, the financial strategy is intended to help 'those most at risk of being left behind' by improving access to savings, financial education and credit, as well as supporting individuals who have experienced domestic abuse in restoring their credit records.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby commented: ‘This plan is about opening doors – helping people experiencing homelessness into work, helping survivors of abuse rebuild their credit, and helping families save for a rainy day.

‘No one should be locked out of the chance to build a better future. Our strategy gives people the tools to get on and boosts the economy by supporting more people back into work through our Plan for Change.’

Lauren Thompson, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Shelter, said: ‘Every day at Shelter, we see the crippling financial pressures often faced by those hit the hardest by the housing emergency. Many are skipping meals just to cover rent, cutting back on essentials, and making impossible choices simply to stay afloat.

‘Access to banking can help people receive financial support, pay bills, and find and keep a safe home.’