Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with the banking industry on the potential merits of opening more banking hubs in towns and villages throughout the country.

Treasury ministers and officials engage with stakeholders on a variety of issues. The Government recognises that access to cash and face-to-face banking services remains an important part of many people’s lives.

Bank Hubs are a commercial initiative, and it is for industry to provide appropriate facilities for their customers. In December 2021, industry announced its intention to establish five new shared Post Office Bank Hubs in Acton (West London), Brixham (Devon), Carnoustie (Angus), Knaresborough (North Yorkshire) and Syston (Leicestershire). These are in addition to Bank Hubs that have been introduced in Rochford (Essex) and Cambuslang (South Lanarkshire).

The Government welcomes industry efforts to develop solutions to support access to cash and banking services and looks forward to seeing what results are delivered to protect facilities for local communities across the UK.