Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of mobile banking services in towns where there is no permanent banking hub.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with customers benefitting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. However, the Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets and is committed to championing sufficient access for all.

That is why the Government is 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 with more than 240 hubs announced so far, and more than 180 already open.

Decisions on the location of banking hubs are made independently by LINK, the operator of the UK’s largest ATM network, through an access to cash assessment. LINK assesses a community's access to cash needs when a cash service, such as a bank branch closes, or if LINK receives a request from a community. This assessment may lead to a recommendation for the establishment of a banking hub in that community. Any member of the public can submit a community request for an access to cash review in their area via LINK's website.

Some banks choose to provide further points of access to banking in a way they think is best for their customers, such as through community banking services via pop-ups in community centres and libraries, or operate mobile banking vans to serve more remote areas. The Post Office Banking Framework also 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. Customers can therefore access everyday banking services in a variety of ways, including telephone banking, digital channels such as mobile or online banking and in person via bank branches, banking hubs and the Post Office.