Boss admits banks failing society

The UK's banks are "detached from society", chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland Stephen Hester has said.

His admission came during an interview with the BBC Today programme, adding that the sector is "coming down to earth with a bump".

Such comments may be welcomes by consumers angered by the payment protection insurance and Libor scandals, as well as the roles banks played in the financial crisis.

Many consumers who are suffering debt may feel the detachment of banks from reality is applicable to their own personal situation, where some are struggling to pay the mortgage.

However, people who are struggling this way may find they can help themselves by taking good advice and will learn there is more available than they think.

Combined efforts by debt advisors, the government and the borrowers and lenders themselves have helped keep the level of possessions down, the Council of Mortgage Lenders noted in May.

By Joe White