The petition of the residents of Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk,
Declares that residents of Selkirk and Eyemouth are being left without proper access to cash and banking facilities. This is causing significant concern and worry for the local community, and that LINK should take the necessary steps to tackle this by setting up a banking hub in each of the towns. Further that a separate online petition on the same issue has generated 1,456 signatures.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to consider the concerns of the petitioners and take immediate action to ensure that the residents of Selkirk and Eyemouth have access to a Banking Hub, with proper access to cash and banking facilities.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by John Lamont, Official Report, 3 June 2025; Vol. 768, c. 281.]
[P003079]
Observations from the Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Emma Reynolds): The Government thank the hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk (John Lamont MP) for submitting the petition on behalf of his constituents regarding access to cash and banking facilities in Selkirk and Eyemouth and the request for the establishment of banking hubs in these towns.
The Government understand the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets and are committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. This is why the Government are working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 160 hubs are open and delivering vital cash and in-person banking services, and over 230 have been recommended by LINK.
The Government also recognise that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and are committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses.
The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 established the Financial Conduct Authority as the lead regulator for access to cash. The FCA introduced regulatory rules for access to cash in September 2024. These rules require the UK’s largest banks and building societies to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility, and put in place a new service if necessary.
Banking hubs are a voluntary service, developed by the financial services sector in the context of legislation to protect access to cash under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023. Their roll-out is overseen by Cash Access UK, a not-for-profit company set up and funded by the banks for the purpose of co-ordinating banking hub delivery.
Regarding the petition for banking hubs in Selkirk and Eyemouth, it is important to note that the locations of banking hubs are independently determined by LINK, the industry co-ordinating body responsible for undertaking access to cash assessments.
When receiving a community request or notification of a branch closure, LINK will first assess what will be left in a community after a change to the cash services on a high street. Then LINK undertakes an assessment of the impact on the local community, looking at the proximity to the nearest branch, size of the community (population and number of SMEs) and the extent of community vulnerability, old age and digital skills. LINK also assesses local needs via an in-person visit. This gives the opportunity for LINK to take into account specific aspects of the local area, such as a steep hill or poor transport links.
LINK publishes the outcomes of its assessments on its website. If, as a result of an assessment, LINK has not recommended a banking hub, the decision can be appealed within 28 days of the assessment. More information on the appeals process is available on its website.
Everyday in-person banking services can also be accessed via the Post Office. The Post Office banking framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 post office branches across the UK.