Imogen Walker, the Member of Parliament for Hamilton and Clyde Valley, has expressed her support for a newly announced independent review into banking access across the United Kingdom. The review, launched by the UK government, aims to examine the impact of branch closures and determine whether further measures are required to protect communities that have lost local banking services. The findings are expected to be published in October, along with recommendations for potential legislative action.
Larkhall Residents Urged to Share Experiences
Ms Walker is encouraging residents of Larkhall who have been affected by the closure of the town's Bank of Scotland branch to continue sharing their experiences. Their input will contribute to the review and help ensure that local voices are heard at the highest levels of government. The branch on Union Street shut its doors in January, despite significant local opposition, including a petition signed by 2,000 people and numerous appeals from customers and politicians across party lines.
The closure is part of a broader trend in Lanarkshire, where several branches have closed in recent years. These include closures in Uddingston, Lanark, Lesmahagow, and Strathaven. The Bank of Scotland branch in Rutherglen closed last week, and RBS has announced the impending closures of its branches in Motherwell and Biggar.
MP Highlights Importance of Face-to-Face Banking
Ms Walker stated: "The closure of the Larkhall branch of the Bank of Scotland has demonstrated how vital face-to-face banking is to my constituents in Hamilton and Clyde Valley. All our towns, villages, and rural communities need good local services, and I have been raising this issue at the highest levels. This has always been about ensuring that local voices are heard, and it is encouraging that the government is listening."
She has been in regular contact with Lucy Rigby, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, to provide a local perspective on the issue. Ms Walker also worked with residents and South Lanarkshire Council to lobby Lloyds Banking Group and the cash access organisation Link following the announcement of the Larkhall closure. She helped secure a reassessment of alternative banking facilities in the town, highlighting concerns that older and vulnerable residents prefer face-to-face banking and indoor, staffed ATMs. Additionally, many Larkhall residents face difficulties using public transport to reach branches in Hamilton.
Link has not recommended a banking hub for Larkhall, but Ms Walker continues to press for changes in how communities are assessed for support. She has met with officials to discuss options, particularly regarding the government's banking hub and cash access criteria.
The government review is expected to conclude in October and will provide recommendations that will inform upcoming legislation. This legislation could grant the Treasury new powers to intervene where necessary to ensure the provision of banking services.
