Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Bank Closures: Stoke-on-Trent North

14 June 2023 · 5 other contributors · 4,363 words

Opened by Jonathan Gullis Con Stoke-on-Trent North

Responding minister: Andrew Griffith

HousingEmploymentCommunity Security

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jonathan Gullis raised concerns about bank closures: stoke-on-trent north in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Banks are crucial for local communities, especially for elderly and disabled individuals.
  • Since 2015, 86 percent of banks have closed in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove, and Talke.
  • Barclays plans to close its branch in Kidsgrove on August 11, leaving the town without high street banks.

Key requests to Government

The Government should intervene to prevent the closure of Barclays branch in Kidsgrove, which is set for August 11. I urge the Minister to explore options such as banking hubs and shared service facilities to ensure that vulnerable individuals still have access to essential services in their community.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jonathan Gullis Con Stoke-on-Trent North

Banks are crucial for local communities, especially for the most vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled. Since 2015, 86% of banks have closed in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke. There has been a significant national trend with 5,391 bank branches closing between June 2015 and January 2023. Barclays plans to close its branch in Kidsgrove on August 11, leaving the town without any high street banks. This closure exacerbates financial exclusion for those who do not have access to online banking or are wary of digital services due to concerns about scams. The community's elderly and disabled members will face significant challenges as they cannot easily travel to alternative branches in other towns.

Other contributors (5)
  • Aaron Bell Lab Newcastle-under-Lyme

    Apologised for being late but congratulated his hon. Friend on campaigning for the Kidsgrove Barclays branch, noted that another closure had occurred in Newcastle-under-Lyme, encouraging constituents to switch banks and urging Barclays to rethink both closures. The closure of both the Kidsgrove and Newcastle-under-Lyme branches by Barclays within two weeks is a significant issue. Local transport limitations make it difficult for constituents to access alternative banking facilities in nearby towns, thus increasing the risk of financial exclusion for vulnerable groups.

  • Chris Loder Con West Worcestershire

    Local transport limitations and the loss of face-to-face banking options will impact vulnerable individuals disproportionately. The closure of the Kidsgrove branch is concerning as it leaves many elderly and disabled residents without a local option to manage their finances.

  • Gavin Williamson Con Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge

    Congratulated the hon. Friend for securing the debate, mentioning the impending closure of a Barclays branch in Wombourne and its impact on elderly people and businesses, urging Barclays to reconsider. My hon. Friend suggested the idea of hubs working together, which is already being trialled. The Minister rightly acknowledges commercial pressures on banks but highlights the Government's ability to convene major high street banks to ensure communities are not excluded.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Thanked the hon. Gentleman for bringing up the issue of bank closures, noting that his constituency has seen 11 banks close and highlighting the impact on elderly people who rely on cash, cheque books, and face-to-face interactions.

  • Tom Hunt Lab Cannock Chase

    Barclays' decision undermines its commitments to the Financial Conduct Authority's guidelines and increases the vulnerability of older people who lack digital awareness. There is a need for better access to in-person banking services, which are crucial for protecting against cyber-crime and fraud.

Government Response

Andrew Griffith

It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair, Ms Nokes. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent North on securing this debate. There are strong feelings about bank closures and consumer pattern changes. My hon. Friend highlighted a 450-strong petition from local residents concerning Barclays' decision to close its Kidsgrove branch. The Minister commended Jonathan Gullis for securing a commitment from Barclays for a Barclays Local, offering face-to-face service three days a week at the Kidgrove Sports Centre and free access to ATMs. Although challenging, the Government seeks viable alternatives through community hubs and enshrines statutory rights of access to cash under the Financial Services and Markets Bill. The Minister will consider Jonathan Gullis' request for a meeting regarding the planning of a shared services hub and wishes him well with regeneration projects.

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