Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

In-person Banking Services

Tuesday 7 February 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sarah Green asked the Minister about steps being taken to ensure access to in-person banking services following closures in her constituency.
  • The Minister stated that decisions on bank branches are commercial and firms are regulated to treat customers fairly, with alternatives like digital and telephone banking available.
  • Andrew Jones inquired about the progress of a new banking hub in Knaresborough, to which the Minister expressed delight in visiting upon its opening.

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
Context

Local bank branch closures have caused concern among constituents who struggle to travel to the nearest alternative branches. The question addresses community needs for banking hubs.

Question

What steps he is taking to help ensure access to in-person banking services. Following a string of local bank branch closures, news of another closure in Amersham has raised concerns over the adequacy of promised alternatives. Does the Minister agree that communities should trigger the creation of banking hubs? Will he meet me to discuss the need for such a hub in my constituency?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

We want everyone to have appropriate access to banking services. Decisions on branches are commercial decisions for firms to take, but we ensure that the regulatory structure treats customers fairly. As well as digital and telephone banking channels, alternative in-person services are available via the Post Office and industry-driven initiatives. I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss challenges her constituents face. Barclays revealed that only 22 regular users will lose access due to the closure, with 92% able to use other means.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific trigger mechanisms for community-led banking hubs were not addressed

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Q2 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
Context

Local bank branch closures have caused concern among constituents who struggle to travel to the nearest alternative branches. The question addresses community needs for banking hubs.

Question

Following a string of local bank branch closures, news of another closure in Amersham has raised concerns over the adequacy of promised alternatives. Does the Minister agree that communities should trigger the creation of banking hubs? Will he meet me to discuss the need for such a hub in my constituency?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady to talk about the challenges her constituents face. In its information pack, Barclays revealed that only 22 customers use the branch regularly and that 92% of users can fulfil their services through other means.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific trigger mechanisms for community-led banking hubs were not addressed

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Q3 Andrew Jones Con
Context

A new banking hub is being established in Knaresborough, which will open soon. The question invites the Minister to visit and celebrate this progress.

Question

The work to deliver a new banking hub in Knaresborough is progressing well with an opening date expected within months. Will my hon. Friend come to Knaresborough when the hub opens?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

I will be delighted to visit and I commend the good work done by Link and the access to cash action group.

Answered
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