ABG Statement of Need

In the context of deepening recession and increased unemployment, the occupation of the southern gateway has come to a critical threshold by the year 2020:  the crossover from nomadic occupation of open space, to permanent habitation and formation of place.

The Occupy Movement has traditionally been given the label ‘anti-capitalist’.  However, whilst the majority of the movements protests takes on a somewhat socialist spirit, the issues against which the movement campaigns are actually diverse and wide ranging.  Money is not therefore to be ignored by the movement.  It has a purpose but for different ends.

The goals of the Alternative Banking Group are inextricably linked to the goals of the occupation, and other socialist groups. It is therefore agreed that a post-capitalist bank should form part of the permanent occupation of Birmingham's southern gateway, founded upon the following principles:

• Democratic decision making by the bank’s customers

• Accessibility to all

• Stability

• Non-profit

• Competitiveness

• Transparency

• Equality amongst its workers

In the same way the ABG will challenge capitalist banking methods and motives, the architecture of this new bank should challenge the traditional typology of a bank, and strengthen the ABG’s principles.