Lloyds Banking Group Announces Major Branch Closure Programme
Lloyds Banking Group has confirmed plans to shut down an additional 95 bank branches across the United Kingdom. This latest round of closures will impact locations under its three major brands: Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland. The phased shutdowns are scheduled to take place between May 2026 and March 2027, marking a significant reduction in the group's physical high street presence.
Detailed Breakdown of Branch Closures
Under the newly announced plans, the closures will be distributed as follows: 53 branches from Lloyds Bank, 31 from Halifax, and 11 from Bank of Scotland. This move continues a trend of branch reductions by the banking giant, which is currently in the midst of another closure round set to see 49 sites shut by October. Approximately a year ago, Lloyds announced the closure of 136 branches, highlighting a persistent shift away from traditional brick-and-mortar banking.
Once all previously announced closures are completed, Lloyds Banking Group will retain a network of 610 branches nationwide. This represents a substantial decrease from previous years, reflecting changing customer behaviours and the increasing adoption of digital banking solutions.
Cash Access Protection Through Banking Hubs
In response to concerns about reduced physical banking access, cash access network Link has confirmed that 15 new locations will receive banking hubs. These shared spaces are designed to protect access to cash services across the country, particularly in areas affected by branch closures.
Banking hubs operate as collaborative facilities where staff from different banks provide services on different days. They offer essential banking functions including cash withdrawals, deposits, and bill payments, ensuring that communities maintain some level of in-person banking support despite the branch reductions.
Customer Banking Flexibility Emphasised
A spokeswoman for Lloyds Banking Group stated: “Customers want the freedom to bank in the way that works for them and we offer more choice and ways to manage money than ever before. From our leading apps and 24/7 messaging service to local banking options like our community bankers, PayPoint and access to all of our Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland branches, we’re giving our customers the flexibility to bank wherever and whenever they need us.”
The statement underscores the group's commitment to providing multiple banking channels, including digital platforms and alternative local services, as it reduces its physical branch footprint. This strategic shift aims to align with evolving customer preferences while maintaining service accessibility through innovative solutions like banking hubs.
