Bank branches continue to close across the UK, with well-known high street names shutting locations up and down the country. This has added to concerns over the welfare of the British high street, while some campaigners have pointed out the negative impact these closures might have on certain customers.
Concerns for Pensioners
"For thousands of pensioners, it is creating real barriers to everyday financial independence," says the Civil Service Pensioners' Alliance. The organisation warns that many pensioners still rely on face-to-face banking, and a severe reduction in bank branches would be detrimental to the way they manage their finances. "A visit to a local branch allows people to withdraw cash, ask questions and deal with problems directly with a member of staff," it says. For older customers, particularly those who may not feel confident using online services or who lack reliable internet access, this personal support is essential.
Reasons for Closures
High street banks have explained that bank branch closures are the result of changing customer habits, with most people managing their accounts, transfers and payments using online services like apps. NatWest, Halifax, Lloyds and the Royal Bank of Scotland are among the UK banks that are shutting branches in the coming weeks and months.
List of Branches Closing
Halifax
- Barrow-in-Furness: 10/09/2026
- Basingstoke: 30/09/2026
- Bury St Edmunds: 30/09/2026
- Cannock: 09/09/2026
- Canterbury: 28/09/2026
- Durham: 29/09/2026
- Ealing Broadway: 29/09/2026
- Guildford: 24/09/2026
- High Wycombe: 30/09/2026
- Horsham: 08/09/2026
- London - Camden Town: 24/09/2026
- Milton Keynes: 23/09/2026
- North Finchley: 28/09/2026
- Torquay - Lymington Road: 09/07/2026
- Wimbledon: 28/09/2026
- Woking: 23/09/2026
Lloyds
- Birmingham - Handsworth: 23/09/2026
- Bristol - Fishponds - Fishponds Road - Morrisons: 06/08/2026
- Carlisle: 29/09/2026
- Chelmsford: 24/09/2026
- City of London - Whitechapel High Street: 23/09/2026
- Daventry: 03/08/2026
- Harrow: 23/09/2026
- Horncastle: 10/08/2026
- Swansea - Winch Wen - Carmel Road: 02/07/2026
NatWest
- Bristol - North Street: 15/09/2026
- Evesham: 25/08/2026
- Llanelli: 09/09/2026
- London - West End: 30/09/2026
- Port Talbot: 08/09/2026
Royal Bank of Scotland
- Arbroath: 09/09/2026
- Biggar: 16/09/2026
- Castle Douglas: 10/09/2026
- Glasgow - Giffnock: 17/09/2026
- Milngavie: 08/09/2026
- Motherwell: 10/09/2026
Political Response
Alan Mak MP, a former treasury minister of the Conservative Party, has said that more banking hubs are needed as they serve as a vital lifeline for older people after some 6,000 branches shut their doors across the last decade. A new law will be laid before Parliament, and Mr Mak will seek to make it so that access to face-to-face banking services, not just access to cash or cash machines, will be considered when deciding where banking hubs can open.
