The Independent Commission of Banking (ICB) has been criticised for not backing a basic reform that would allow customers to keep their bank account number when switching accounts.

Part of the role of the ICB is to encourage competition and choice, as well as making the financial system safer. But they failed to pick up on the idea of transferable account numbers, which campaigners say will make banking efficient and safer.

Which? criticised the ICB for not analysing the idea, even though 43 per cent of customers said they would be more likely to switch accounts if they could keep they could keep their account number.

The consumer campaign group said the government would also benefit from the reform; every time someone changes bank account, government departments such as the Department for Work and Pensions and businesses incur costs and hassle in making sure direct debits are switched properly.

Dominic Lindley, a policy adviser at Which? said that portable accounts will make switching banks and accounts a lot safer for consumers, and they will reduce costs for the government and for buisnesses.

"No one in business or the Government has really picked up on how much it costs when people switch bank accounts. No one has done proper cost-benefit analysis for a long-term plan", said Mr Lindley.

Which? have also said that the ICB's recommendation of a redirecton sevice would help smooth switching, but would do little to reduce costs.