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Customers with major banks such as HSBC, Barclays and Lloyds Bank will enjoy access to better services under Government plans.
Ministers have issued an update on the rollout of banking hubs, shared spaces run by the Post Office where bank customers can access over-the-counter services such as withdrawing and depositing cash and getting expert advice.
You can also talk to a community banker representing your particular bank, on the day that they are at the centre. This varies depending on the banking hub.
These are the major banks that have community bankers at banking hubs:
- Bank of Ireland
- Barclays
- Bank of Scotland
- Danske Bank
- Halifax
- HSBC
- Lloyds Bank
- NatWest
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Santander
- TSB
- Ulster Bank
- Virgin Money.
The Government was asked in Parliament about if they will look at increasing the target for the number of banking hubs to open by the end of this Parliament.
In response, Treasury minister Emma Reynolds said: “The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority.
“This 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.
“Over 230 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open.” Turning to the question of expanding these targets, Ms Reynolds said the 350 figure is “not a limit”.
She explained: “Cash Access UK will deploy a banking hub wherever LINK, the industry coordinating body responsible for making access to cash assessments following a community request or branch closure, suggests one is appropriate.”
If you are concerned about the lack of cash access in your area, you can send in a cash access request to LINK, which will the consider assessing the access to services in your area.
Every Post Office branch also offers a range of banking services, such as taking out cash, depositing cash or cheques or viewing your account balance.
Ross Borkett, banking director at Post Office, said that it’s important for their customers to have access to cash in branch. He explained: “People from all walks of life use our cash and banking services – from small business owners to a growing number of people who use cash as a way to budget.
“It is also vital for the millions of people who struggle to get online or simply want to use in person counter services to have the reassurance of a face-to-face transaction.”
