Many people now bank online or by phone, often with confidence and convenience. As a result, fewer customers need to visit a physical branch.
But for many others, bank branches remain essential. Some people cannot use digital banking easily, while others simply value being able to speak to someone face to face when dealing with important financial matters.
In recent years, both Alton and Petersfield have lost bank branches - most recently Petersfield Lloyds in January 2026. These closures have reduced access to everyday banking services such as paying in cash, handling bills and managing accounts, while also making it harder for people to get support with more complex issues including mortgages, fraud and probate. Local businesses are affected too, particularly those that still rely on cash services.
When communities lose their local branch, people are often left with long journeys to access in-person banking or find themselves unable to resolve problems quickly when something goes wrong.
While I cannot prevent banks from closing branches, we must ensure there are reliable alternatives for those who still depend on face-to-face banking services. At a minimum, that means protecting the Post Office’s “everyday banking” network. But we should also expand alternative forms of in-person banking support, including banking hubs.
Banking hubs provide services such as cash withdrawals, deposits and cheque handling, alongside face-to-face support from major banks on designated days.
At present, communities are often considered to have adequate banking provision if they simply have access to cash, for example through a Post Office or cash machine within one kilometre of the high street, even where there is no access to in-person banking advice or support.
That needs to change.
LINK, the organisation responsible for assessing where banking hubs should be located, should be required to consider access to face-to-face banking services - not just access to cash - when making decisions about new hubs.
But I want to know what you think. Please take two minutes to complete my survey below.
