In a significant blow to the British high street, Lloyds Banking Group has unveiled plans to close 45 of its branches across England and Wales throughout 2025. The move is part of a continued shift towards online and mobile banking, reflecting changing customer habits.
The closures will affect 22 Lloyds Bank branches and 23 Halifax branches. The bank stated that the decision was made after seeing a steep decline in footfall at these specific locations, with many customers opting to manage their finances digitally.
Is Your Local Branch on the List?
The full list of doomed branches spans from the South Coast to North Wales. Some of the notable closures include Lloyds branches in Leeds, Southampton, and Bristol, as well as Halifax sites in London, Manchester, and Cardiff. The bank insists that each closure location has a Post Office or another bank branch within short travelling distance for customers who still prefer in-person services.
Why Are Banks Disappearing from Our High Streets?
This decision is not made in isolation. Lloyds, along with other major high street banks, has been steadily reducing its physical network for years. The primary driver is the massive adoption of online banking apps, which have made visiting a branch unnecessary for millions of customers. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated this trend, cementing digital banking as the new norm.
A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson said: "As many customers now choose to bank through their mobile app or online, visits to some branches have fallen sharply. In response, we’ve confirmed the closure of a number of branches."
What Does This Mean for Customers and Communities?
While the bank emphasises its commitment to supporting affected customers and staff, the closures will undoubtedly be felt in local communities. The loss of a bank branch can impact footfall for neighbouring shops and be particularly challenging for elderly or vulnerable customers who are less comfortable with technology.
The group confirmed that all staff affected by the closures will be offered roles at other branches, with no planned redundancies. Customers are being directed to alternative banking methods, including the Post Office, nearby ATMs, and the banks' comprehensive digital platforms.
