Company: BCS
Filing Date: 2025-02-13
Form Type: 20-F
Source: 0000312069-25-000114
Chunk: 341

Company: BARCLAYS PLC
Filing Date: 2025-02-13
Form: 20-F
Chunk 341
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 through paying by direct debit and access to cheaper goods and services on the internet, to help them along their financial journey. If their circumstances change, customers on the basic current account are able to apply for a standard Barclays Current Account at any time. Periodically we also review accounts to upgrade customers from basic current account to Barclays Bank Account where eligible. Number of basic current accounts (#) 2024 2023 2022 609,120 650,863 661,991 Note: 1 In 2024, we upgraded more than 62,000 customers from our Barclays Basic Bank Account to our Barclays Bank Account Strategy Shareholder information Climate and sustainability report Risk review Financial review Financial statements Barclays PLC 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F 179Governance ESG Governance (continued)

Barclays' mortgages and first-time buyers 2024 has seen a reduction of the rate environment, with the first Bank of England base rate decrease seen in August of this year, however, we recognise customers are still experiencing increasing rates as they roll off their fixed rates and as such our commitment remains to support these customers. Given this, we have made it simpler for customers to apply under the Mortgage Charter for a temporary move to interest only or for an extension of their mortgage term by digitising the application journey. We have also continued to support customers who are buying their first home through the UK Government mortgage guarantee scheme, the Barclays Family Springboard and our Barclays Boost mortgages &#8211; re-branding and more clearly highlighting our Joint Borrower, Sole Proprietor proposition. In 2024, we have helped over 49,000 first-time buyer customers get onto the property ladder across over 31,000 purchases. The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme offers mortgages which are backed by a UK Government guarantee. Customers can apply for the scheme with a minimum deposit of 5% of the property purchase price, and it is available for first-time buyers and those looking to make their next move on the property ladder. Financial inclusion in our US consumer business The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) is a US federal law designed to encourage financial institutions to help meet the needs of borrowers in all segments of their communities, including low and moderate- income neighbourhoods. Barclays meets the CRA requirement by supporting and investing in local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), small- medium businesses and non-profits. The success of CDFIs, small-medium businesses and non-profits are key to a thriving community. Barclays has predefined goals with specific performance targets that we