‘Complete disregard’: Charities condemn Barclays over frozen bank accounts

More community groups come forward to describe how shutdown suddenly left them unable to pay bills or staff

• Charities left in financial chaos after Barclays shuts accounts

Barclays has been accused of “a complete disregard” for its customers by charities and community groups that have had their accounts frozen without warning, throwing them into financial chaos.

A charity that helps young people suffering with cancer, and another that drives elderly people to doctors’ appointments, plus scout and animal welfare groups, are among the organisations who have contacted the Guardian this week to describe how Barclays blocked their bank accounts, often cancelling all their direct debits without informing them.