An assessment carried out on behalf of banks in Huyton did not recommend a banking hub open in the town, councillors heard. The decision comes as Lloyds Banking Group confirmed the closure of three more branches in June, including Lloyds Bank and Halifax branches in Huyton, scheduled to close in November, and Lloyds Bank in Kirkby, closing in June 2027.
Impact on Residents
Thousands of people will be cut off from vital community services, according to local MP Anneliese Midgley. She expressed her "profound disappointment" and called for an urgent meeting with Lloyds Banking Group chief executive Charlie Nunn. In a letter, she asked for justification for the closures.
At a Knowsley Council meeting on Wednesday, Green councillor Graham Golding, representing St Gabriels ward, said the closures would have a "disastrous impact on our residents, particularly the elderly and digitally excluded, who depend on the services offered in the bank branches." He asked council leader Graham Morgan what had been done to address the impact and whether a banking hub could open in Huyton Village.
Banking Hub Concept
A banking hub is a shared physical space where customers of different banks can carry out everyday transactions like withdrawing and depositing cash, paying bills, and speaking in-person to staff. Council leader Cllr Morgan acknowledged the detrimental impact on residents and small businesses but said he does not have direct power to intervene.
He highlighted the successful establishment of a banking hub in Prescot, which was "lobbied hard for and supported into council-owned premises." The council is now doing the same in Kirkby, with a hub set to open before Lloyds Bank closes in June 2027.
Flawed Data Alleged
However, Cllr Morgan said the assessment by the interbank network Link did not recommend a banking hub for Huyton. He believes the decision was "based on flawed data on the challenges facing some of our residents, local public transport links and our small business community." He wrote to Link's chief executive to set out concerns and offer new data, but was told they are not intending to alter their recommendation, repeating what he called "flawed information."
Cllr Morgan has again written to Link, detailing how their information is wrong and seeking support for a hub in Huyton Village. He has heard back that the issue has been escalated to a formal complaint. "We will do everything we can to continue lobbying for a banking hub in Huyton," he said.
Broader Context
More broadly, the council is looking at how local library and post office services could provide digital support for customers without online banking. Cllr Morgan noted that between 2022 and 2025, Merseyside saw 34 bank closures, with an additional four branches announced to close in 2026. "This approach not only reduces banking facilities, but is a hammer blow to the town centres, which further reduces footfall and the amenities on our high streets," he said.
