Lloyds Banking Group, which also owns Halifax, has confirmed that nine Lloyds banks and eight Halifax branches will close across the UK in November, continuing a rapid reduction in the high street banking network.
More than 6,600 branches have shut since 2015, an average of roughly 53 closures every month, with a further 17 set to shutter this month. The November closures come after the banking group closed 23 branches in October and 95 over the summer.
Reasons Behind the Closures
Branches are closing across the UK primarily due to the surge in digital banking. Santander previously revealed that 96% of its customer transactions are now completed digitally.
Combined with increased operating costs, such as business rates, energy bills, and staffing costs, banks face unmanageable overheads. Firms such as Lloyds Banking Group are consolidating their networks, cutting hundreds of locations to protect profit margins.
Support for Vulnerable Customers
Due to concerns about the impact of closures on vulnerable customers, including elderly people and those living in rural communities, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has introduced banking hubs. These are shared high street spaces operated by the Post Office which allow customers to withdraw cash, deposit money, pay bills, and speak to advisors face-to-face.
Lloyds Banking Group said on its website: "When making changes to our branch network, we always look to understand the impact on our customers – including how they continue to access banking services. Because of this, we may sometimes have a Community Banker visit the area after the branch closes."
"Or as part of an independent review a Banking Hub or Deposit Service may be set up in a nearby location. We follow Financial Conduct Authority guidance when announcing closures."
Full List of November Closures
Lloyds
- Accrington - November 3
- Wallsend - November 3
- Ilkeston - November 5
- Leicester (Melton Road) - November 9
- Liverpool - November 9
- Wakefield - November 10
- Leicester (Leicester Road) - November 11
- Worksop - November 11
- Harrogate - November 19
Halifax
- Redcar - November 2
- Sheffield - November 2
- Dalston, London - November 2
- Llanelli - November 3
- Ilford - November 4
- Leigh - November 4
- Liverpool (Derby Road) - November 4
- Clacton-on-Sea - November 9
The closures reflect a broader shift in customer behaviour toward mobile apps and online banking, with the banking group continuing to adjust its network in response.
