The government is in discussions with the providers about providing an account for people on low pay or who don't have a bank account. The banks aren't keen on this.
Details have to be worked out, but it is being rolled out as I speak and will be fully rolled out by end of the year.
Source: Drivetime/Martin Cawley.
Will it be fee free I wonder, unlikely to have a debit card, just atm I reckon.