In a significant blow to the British high street, NatWest Group has confirmed plans to shutter 20 more bank branches across England and Wales throughout 2025. This move is part of a continuing trend that sees traditional banking retreat from physical locations in favour of digital services.
The Full List of Closing Branches
The closures, scheduled between January and May 2025, will affect communities from the South West to the North of England. The branches set to close their doors for good include locations in:
- Birmingham: Kings Heath (January 21)
- London: Earls Court (January 22) and Notting Hill Gate (May 13)
- Cornwall: St Ives (January 28) and Launceston (March 18)
- Yorkshire: Ilkley (February 4) and Yeadon (March 11)
- ... and several others across Wales and England.
Why Are Banks Disappearing from Our High Streets?
NatWest's decision, mirroring actions by other major banks like Lloyds and Barclays, is driven by a stark decline in in-branch transactions. The bank stated that the number of customers using these branches has fallen precipitously, with over 97% of its retail customer needs now being met digitally. The rise of mobile and online banking apps has fundamentally changed how people manage their money.
"As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking because it’s faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives," a NatWest spokesperson explained.
What Does This Mean for Local Customers?
For customers who still rely on face-to-face services, the closures present a challenge. NatWest has emphasised that it will not make the final decision to close any branch if it is the last one in a particular area. Furthermore, the bank is promoting its ‘Community Bankers’ initiative, where staff will offer services in local venues like libraries and community centres to provide support for those less comfortable with digital technology.
Additionally, the Post Office remains an alternative for everyday banking tasks such as cash deposits and withdrawals. However, more complex financial advice and services will no longer be accessible in these towns.
This latest wave of closures signals an accelerating transformation of the UK's banking landscape, leaving many to wonder about the future of the traditional high street and the accessibility of financial services for all members of the community.
