Damian released the following statement today:
MP Damian Hinds has joined 120 MPs from across the House of Commons in calling on Lloyds Banking Group to restore cheque deposit services at Post Office branches and Banking Hubs.
In a joint letter to Lloyds Banking Group Chief Executive Charlie Nunn, MPs have urged the bank to review its policy so that older, vulnerable and digitally excluded customers are not left behind.
The issue affects Lloyds customers across East Hampshire who rely on local Post Office branches for everyday banking services following the closure of the Lloyds branch in Petersfield earlier this year.
Lloyds is currently the only major UK bank that does not allow customers to deposit cheques at Post Office branches. Customers are also unable to deposit cheques at Banking Hubs.
MPs say this puts customers who still rely on cheques at a disadvantage, particularly older residents, disabled people, small businesses, charities and community groups.
The letter also highlights concerns that alternatives such as freepost and banking apps are not suitable for everyone. Some customers are unable to use digital banking, while others value the reassurance of handing over a cheque in person and knowing it has been securely received.
Commenting, Damian said:
“Local Post Offices are vital for people in East Hampshire who need access to everyday banking services.
“But we also need to make sure people can access the full range of basic banking services locally. That includes people who still rely on cheques.
“It is a matter of fairness. People should not be forced to struggle with an app, send cheques through the post, or travel miles to deposit a cheque when customers of other major banks can do so at their local Post Office.”
Damian recently launched a survey on access to banking services, which seeks to understand how residents in East Hampshire carry out their day-to-day banking, how easy it is for them to complete everyday transactions, and whether they now have to travel significant distances to access face-to-face banking services.
The survey also asks residents about support for a Banking Hub in East Hampshire.
ENDS
For more information: contact [email protected]
Notes to editors
· The cross-party letter can be found below.
· The East Hampshire survey on access to banking services can be found here: Keep banking services local - survey | Damian Hinds
