Access to Banking: Devon

Opened the debate

MP Simon Jupp secured an Adjournment debate on the decline of bank branches in Devon, highlighting that there were 19,000 UK bank and building society branches in 1992 but only 8,000 in 2022. He noted that branch closures affect access to cash and face-to-face banking services, especially for older generations who prefer traditional methods due to fears of fraud or lack of IT skills. Jupp proposed the solution of banking hubs as shared spaces providing counter services and private areas for individual banks. He discussed local campaigns in Sidmouth and Axminster, detailing the need for more ATM facilities and 24/7 access. He also emphasised that criteria for establishing new banking hubs must be relaxed to better serve communities.

Government Response

Minister Bim Afolami acknowledged the decline in bank branches but emphasised the shift towards digital banking services. He praised MP Simon Jupp's efforts to secure access to banking services in his constituency, recognising the importance of face-to-face banking for many people. The Minister highlighted recent actions by the Government, including the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023, which mandates reasonable provision of cash withdrawal and deposit facilities. He also noted that over 120 banking hubs have been announced across the country, with plans to open an additional 225 in the next 18 months. The Minister committed to supporting the roll-out of banking hubs, ensuring they provide good service to customers, and agreed to revisit criteria for locations eligible for hubs to better reflect customer needs.