Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of banking hubs on women at risk of domestic abuse.

The Government recognises that the ability to access cash and in-person banking support remains essential for many, which is why we have secured the industry’s commitment to roll out 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament, ensuring that access to face-to-face banking is protected. Over 230 hubs have been announced so far, and over 170 are already open.

Banking hubs offer everyday counter services, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services.

The Government is committed to tackling domestic abuse through our mission to halve Violence Against Women and Girls within a decade. Addressing economic abuse is an integral part of this and is also being considered within the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy, which will examine where industry and Government can go further to support financially excluded people, including victim-survivors of economic abuse.