The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and high streets and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Banking hubs are a voluntary service which were developed by the financial services sector in the context of legislation to protect access to cash under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023.

Over 275 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 240 are already open. In Scotland, 33 have been announced so far and over 30 are already open.

The Government has commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services to assess whether changes in access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who it affects. The Review was launched on 8 June, with the publication of the Call for Evidence. The Call for Evidence will run for six weeks and will close on 20 July. It seeks input from a wide range of people including market participants, consumer representatives, community organisations, and industry across the UK, including Scotland.

The consultation survey can be found here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/accesstobankingservices

The Government is committed to ensuring that people who need in-person banking can continue to access essential services.

The Financial Services and Markets Bill includes a power to enable the Government to take action in future to protect access to banking services should this be necessary. The power relates to access to banking services more broadly and is not limited to banking hubs.

Banking hubs provide everyday counter services delivered by Post Office staff and also offer access to community bankers from participating banks, who can provide services more commonly offered in branches, such as registering a bereavement.

Separately, the Post Office provides everyday banking services through over 10,000 branches across the UK under the Banking Framework, a commercial agreement between the Post Office and banking firms. This includes cash withdrawal and deposit, paying bills and paying in cheques, and checking your balance.

The independent Review into Access to Banking Services will assess whether changes in access to in-person banking services in the UK are causing detriment to consumers. The Review will consider the role of both banking hubs and Post Office banking services, and its findings will inform future decisions on whether further action is needed.

The Government is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament, and industry agreed with my predecessor that they would achieve this. Over 275 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 235 are already open.

Industry has also agreed with my predecessors to improve the services available in banking hubs, including trialling Saturday opening in three locations. Cash Access UK have stated to the Treasury Select Committee that they will consider Saturday opening on a case-by-case basis, where there is a clear demand and need.

The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and high streets and so on 14 May commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes in access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who it affects. The Review will consider access to in-person banking for both personal and business customers.

HM Treasury launched the Access to Banking Services Review on 8 June, with the publication of the Call for Evidence. The Call for Evidence will run for six weeks and will close on 20 July. The evidence gathered will inform the development of the Review’s recommendations, and the Chair, Richard Lloyd OBE, is due to publish his findings in October. More information can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/access-to-banking-services-review-call-for-evidence.

The way people across the UK use retail banking services has changed significantly, with many customers now choosing to bank online. In response, banks and building societies have reshaped their branch networks, reflecting changing customer preferences.

However, the Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and high streets and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Banking hubs are a voluntary service which were developed by the financial services sector in the context of legislation to protect access to cash under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023.

Over 275 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 235 are already open. The Government continues to engage with industry on ways to improve the consistency and level of services provided through banking hubs.

On 14 May the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services to assess whether changes in access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who it affects.

The evidence collected by the Review will inform future decisions on whether further action is needed. Alongside the Review, the Financial Services and Markets Bill includes a power to allow the Government to take action in future to protect access to banking services, should this be necessary. This power ensures the Government can act swiftly and proportionately, including through future regulation, if the evidence from the Review supports intervention.

The Government also recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses.

Under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has responsibility and powers to protect access to cash, including free facilities for personal current account holders. The FCA’s most recent data shows that 99.2% of the urban population live within 1 mile of a free to use cash access point offering withdrawals. In rural areas, 98.5% of people live within 3 miles of a free to use cash access point offering withdrawals.

HMT launched the Access to Banking Services Review Call for Evidence on 8 June and will run for 6 weeks, closing on 20 July, inviting input from consumers, businesses, charities, community groups, local authorities and industry across the UK. The evidence will inform recommendations, with findings due in October. Responses can be submitted here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/access-to-banking-services-review-call-for-evidence.

The way people across the UK use retail banking services has changed significantly, with many customers now choosing to bank online. In response, banks and building societies have reshaped their branch networks, reflecting changing customer preferences.

However, the Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and high streets and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Banking hubs are a voluntary service which were developed by the financial services sector in the context of legislation to protect access to cash under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023.

Over 275 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 235 are already open. The Government continues to engage with industry on ways to improve the consistency and level of services provided through banking hubs.

The Government recognises that some communities have experienced the loss of their last local bank branch and the importance of ensuring continued access to banking services.

On 14 May the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services to assess whether changes in access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who it affects.

The evidence collected by the Review will inform future decisions on whether further action is needed. Alongside the Review, the Financial Services and Markets Bill includes a power to allow the Government to take action in future to protect access to banking services, should this be necessary. This power ensures the Government can act swiftly and proportionately, including through future regulation, if the evidence from the Review supports intervention.

The way people across the UK use retail banking services has changed significantly, with many customers now choosing to bank online. In response, banks and building societies have reshaped their branch networks, reflecting changing customer preferences.

However, the Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and high streets and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Banking hubs are a voluntary service which were developed by the financial services sector in the context of legislation to protect access to cash under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023.

Over 275 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 235 are already open. The Government continues to engage with industry on ways to improve the consistency and level of services provided through banking hubs.

The Government recognises that some communities have experienced the loss of their last local bank branch and the importance of ensuring continued access to banking services.

On 14 May the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services to assess whether changes in access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who it affects.

The evidence collected by the Review will inform future decisions on whether further action is needed. Alongside the Review, the Financial Services and Markets Bill includes a power to allow the Government to take action in future to protect access to banking services, should this be necessary. This power ensures the Government can act swiftly and proportionately, including through future regulation, if the evidence from the Review supports intervention.

Cash Access UK is on track to deliver 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. To date, Cash Access UK has opened 239 banking hubs of the over 275 recommended by LINK, and over 140 deposit services. Of the 239 banking hubs opened, 70 are in temporary locations.

Where a hub is required following a community request, Cash Access UK will open that within three months in a temporary location, ensuring the community has access to cash and banking services while a permanent location is secured. Temporary hubs offer the same services as permanent hubs.

Where a hub is recommended by LINK because the last bank branch is closing, that hub will open before the bank branch permanently closes, so that there is no gap in service. The last bank branch in a town cannot close before the hub is opened, and the average time to open a hub (where the last bank branch is permanently closing) is under 12 months.

Of the 70 banking hubs that are currently operating from temporary premises, 10 have done so for more than six months, 22 for more than 12 months, and eight for more than 18 months.

HMT has not historically collected figures on individual bank branch closures, but according to consumer website Which?, banks and building societies have closed over 6,700 branches since January 2015, around 69% of branches.

As referred to in answer to PQ 10149, the independent Access to Banking Services Review will consider access to in-person banking for both personal and business customers.

HMT launched the Access to Banking Services Review Call for Evidence on 8 June and will run for 6 weeks, closing on 20 July, inviting input from consumers, businesses, charities, community groups, local authorities and industry across the UK. The evidence will inform recommendations, with findings due in October. Responses can be submitted here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/access-to-banking-services-review-call-for-evidence.

The Government is aware of the public’s concerns around access to banking services, which are currently not protected in legislation. Whilst there is evidence on a local level of individuals being affected by the closure of bank branches, the Government needs robust evidence from across the UK. The Government therefore commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services. The Review will identify who is affected by changes to access to in-person banking services and how many people are affected. It will also look at what kinds of banking services are important for people to be able to access.

The Review is designed to inform future decisions by the Government and regulators as to whether further action is needed and what this might look like, including through the Financial Services and Markets Bill.

The Government continues to support industry’s rollout of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Banking hubs are deployed by industry as a voluntary solution to LINK’s access to cash assessments, though they also provide some banking services.

Over 275 hubs have been announced and over 235 have opened. The commitment to 350 hubs is not a limit, and Cash Access UK will deploy a banking hub wherever LINK, the industry coordinating body responsible for making access to cash assessments, following a community request or branch closure, suggests one is appropriate.

HMT launched the Access to Banking Services Review Call for Evidence on 8 June and will run for 6 weeks, closing on 20 July, inviting input from consumers, businesses, charities, community groups, local authorities and industry across the UK. The evidence will inform recommendations, with findings due in October. Responses can be submitted here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/access-to-banking-services-review-call-for-evidence.

The way people across the UK use retail banking services has changed significantly, with many customers now choosing to bank online. In response, banks and building societies have reshaped their branch networks, reflecting changing customer preferences. However, the Government understands that some customers, including older people, continue to rely on in-person banking services and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. 280 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 235 are already open.

Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services.

The Government continues to engage with industry on ways to improve the consistency and level of services provided through banking hubs. Through this engagement, firms have agreed to take forward further functionality improvement trials and raise awareness of the services available, helping banking hubs to continue to evolve in response to customer needs. In January, my predecessor chaired a roundtable with banks, Cash Access UK (CAUK) and UK Finance to discuss services provided in banking hubs.

This engagement builds on previous commitments secured by the government and I am encouraged by the progress made towards delivering these. Through our collaboration with industry, there has been significant progress in more closely aligning services offered by community bankers in hubs with those available in traditional bank branches.

Industry is committed to continue improving banking hubs, and we work closely with firms to ensure that services meet the needs of people and communities. For example, over the past year all original CAUK member banks have ensured that customers can access hub services without needing a personal digital device, such as a mobile phone or tablet. This has improved accessibility. Customers can also now carry out a wide range of banking services, including opening an account, updating their name or address, registering a complaint, and receiving support with online or telephone banking, as well as getting help with more complex matters such as bereavements, powers of attorney, and fraud or scam concerns.

In addition, financial services providers are bound under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments, where necessary, in the way they deliver their services. The treatment of customers by UK banks and building societies is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which requires firms to provide a prompt, efficient and fair service to all customers.

The Government has commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes in access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who it affects, including the ageing population.

HMT launched the Access to Banking Services Review Call for Evidence on 8 June and will run for 6 weeks, closing on 20 July, inviting input from consumers, businesses, charities, community groups, local authorities and industry across the UK. The evidence will inform recommendations, with findings due in October. Responses can be submitted here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/access-to-banking-services-review-call-for-evidence.

The Government is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament, and industry agreed with my predecessor that they would achieve this. Over 275 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 235 are already open.

In addition to essential banking services available for all customers, including taking out and depositing cash, checking balances, and paying bills, banking hubs host community bankers from the main high street banks who can offer a wider range of services similar to those offered in branches. A list can be found here: https://www.cashaccess.co.uk/hubs/community-banker-services/

Industry has also agreed with my predecessors to improve the services available in banking hubs, including trialling the use of printers and Saturday opening, and no longer requiring customers to bring their own devices.

The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and high streets and so on 14 May commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes in access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who it affects. The Review will consider access to in-person banking for both personal and business customers.

HM Treasury launched the Access to Banking Services Review on 8 June, with the publication of the Call for Evidence. The Call for Evidence will run for six weeks and will close on 20 July. The evidence gathered will inform the development of the Review’s recommendations, and the Chair, Richard Lloyd OBE, is due to publish his findings in October. More information can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/access-to-banking-services-review-call-for-evidence.

The Government is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament, and industry agreed with my predecessor that they would achieve this. Over 275 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 235 are already open.

In addition to essential banking services available for all customers, including taking out and depositing cash, checking balances, and paying bills, banking hubs host community bankers from the main high street banks who can offer a wider range of services similar to those offered in branches. A list can be found here: https://www.cashaccess.co.uk/hubs/community-banker-services/

Industry has also agreed with my predecessors to improve the services available in banking hubs, including trialling the use of printers and Saturday opening, and no longer requiring customers to bring their own devices.

The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and high streets and so on 14 May commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes in access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who it affects. The Review will consider access to in-person banking for both personal and business customers.

HM Treasury launched the Access to Banking Services Review on 8 June, with the publication of the Call for Evidence. The Call for Evidence will run for six weeks and will close on 20 July. The evidence gathered will inform the development of the Review’s recommendations, and the Chair, Richard Lloyd OBE, is due to publish his findings in October. More information can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/access-to-banking-services-review-call-for-evidence.

The Government is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament, and industry agreed with my predecessor that they would achieve this. Over 275 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 235 are already open.

In addition to essential banking services available for all customers, including taking out and depositing cash, checking balances, and paying bills, banking hubs host community bankers from the main high street banks who can offer a wider range of services similar to those offered in branches. A list can be found here: https://www.cashaccess.co.uk/hubs/community-banker-services/

Industry has also agreed with my predecessors to improve the services available in banking hubs, including trialling the use of printers and Saturday opening, and no longer requiring customers to bring their own devices.

The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and high streets and so on 14 May commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes in access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who it affects. The Review will consider access to in-person banking for both personal and business customers.

HM Treasury launched the Access to Banking Services Review on 8 June, with the publication of the Call for Evidence. The Call for Evidence will run for six weeks and will close on 20 July. The evidence gathered will inform the development of the Review’s recommendations, and the Chair, Richard Lloyd OBE, is due to publish his findings in October. More information can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/access-to-banking-services-review-call-for-evidence.

Where a branch closure is announced or a community has submitted a cash access assessment request, LINK (the operator of the UK's largest ATM network) assesses a community's access to cash withdrawal and deposit facilities on behalf of the UK's largest high street banks.

According to LINK, since January 2022, LINK has completed 3,511 assessments. Of these, 1,846 have been undertaken under the FCA-regulated scheme introduced in September 2024, with a further 1,665 carried out under the preceding voluntary scheme.

2,883 assessments resulted in no additional services being recommended.

LINK has recommended 280 banking hubs to date.

For each assessment, LINK publishes information on journey times to the nearest bank branches, as well as distances to the nearest ATMs and Post Offices. The assessment process also takes into account factors such as seasonality and geographic barriers, although these are not explicitly detailed in the published reports. Further information on LINK’s assessment methodology is available here:

link.co.uk/media/0baiyadq/link-cash-access-assessment-process.pdf

The way people across the UK use retail banking services has changed significantly, with many customers now choosing to bank online. In response, banks and building societies have reshaped their branch networks, reflecting changing customer preferences. However, the Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and high streets and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament.

Over 275 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 235 are already open. Of these, 70 are temporary hubs. Temporary hubs offer the same services as permanent hubs.

LINK, the operator of the UK’s largest ATM network, is responsible for assessing a community’s access to cash needs and does not consider bank service provision. When asked to carry out a cash access assessment, LINK takes into consideration a wide range of criteria, including those unique to each location, such as the size and vulnerability of the population, existing and remaining cash access facilities and the number of shops. Specifically, LINK takes into consideration population demographics, seasonal population change, public transport times and cost, geographic barriers, and whether it is reasonable for people to travel to nearby facilities.

LINK uses a catchment area of 3 miles in rural locations and 1 mile in urban areas and considers if there is a significant impact on nearby towns. As part of its assessments, LINK will consider the available services in a community, including existing ATM provision, and recommend additional solutions if it is deemed necessary to ensure reasonable access to cash.

Where a hub is recommended by LINK following a planned branch closure, the branch cannot close until a suitable replacement service is in place. The average time to open a hub driven by the closure of the last bank in a town is under 12 months. Where a hub is recommended following a community request, Cash Access UK aims to provide a temporary solution within three months. FCA rules also require that, where additional services are needed, a solution must be put in place within 12 weeks, which may initially be a temporary service ahead of a permanent hub.

The provision of a bank’s services is a commercial decision for the firm, and the Government does not intervene in these decisions. However, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place alternatives where reasonable.

In addition to bank branches and banking hubs, the Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance and pay bills at more than 10,500 Post Office branches across the UK. The Government protects the Post Office network by setting minimum access criteria. These include ensuring that 99 per cent of the UK population lives within three miles of a Post Office and 90 per cent of the population within one mile.

The Government is committed to ensuring that people who need in-person banking can continue to access essential services. That is why on 14 May the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes in access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who it affects. The Review will consider access to in-person banking services for both personal and business customers.

The Call for Evidence has been published on GOV.UK at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/access-to-banking-services-review-call-for-evidence. It will run for 6 weeks and will close on 20 July.

Responses to the Call for Evidence can be submitted online via: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/accesstobankingservices . Those wishing to submit via email, including supplementary evidence, research or data can do so at accesstobankingservices@hmtreasury.gov.uk.

The evidence collected by the Review will inform future decisions on whether further action is needed.

The way people across the UK use retail banking services has changed significantly, with many customers now choosing to bank online. In response, banks and building societies have reshaped their branch networks, reflecting changing customer preferences. However, the Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and high streets and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament.

Over 275 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 235 are already open. Of these, 70 are temporary hubs. Temporary hubs offer the same services as permanent hubs.

LINK, the operator of the UK’s largest ATM network, is responsible for assessing a community’s access to cash needs and does not consider bank service provision. When asked to carry out a cash access assessment, LINK takes into consideration a wide range of criteria, including those unique to each location, such as the size and vulnerability of the population, existing and remaining cash access facilities and the number of shops. Specifically, LINK takes into consideration population demographics, seasonal population change, public transport times and cost, geographic barriers, and whether it is reasonable for people to travel to nearby facilities.

LINK uses a catchment area of 3 miles in rural locations and 1 mile in urban areas and considers if there is a significant impact on nearby towns. As part of its assessments, LINK will consider the available services in a community, including existing ATM provision, and recommend additional solutions if it is deemed necessary to ensure reasonable access to cash.

Where a hub is recommended by LINK following a planned branch closure, the branch cannot close until a suitable replacement service is in place. The average time to open a hub driven by the closure of the last bank in a town is under 12 months. Where a hub is recommended following a community request, Cash Access UK aims to provide a temporary solution within three months. FCA rules also require that, where additional services are needed, a solution must be put in place within 12 weeks, which may initially be a temporary service ahead of a permanent hub.

The provision of a bank’s services is a commercial decision for the firm, and the Government does not intervene in these decisions. However, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place alternatives where reasonable.

In addition to bank branches and banking hubs, the Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance and pay bills at more than 10,500 Post Office branches across the UK. The Government protects the Post Office network by setting minimum access criteria. These include ensuring that 99 per cent of the UK population lives within three miles of a Post Office and 90 per cent of the population within one mile.

The Government is committed to ensuring that people who need in-person banking can continue to access essential services. That is why on 14 May the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes in access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who it affects. The Review will consider access to in-person banking services for both personal and business customers.

The Call for Evidence has been published on GOV.UK at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/access-to-banking-services-review-call-for-evidence. It will run for 6 weeks and will close on 20 July.

Responses to the Call for Evidence can be submitted online via: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/accesstobankingservices . Those wishing to submit via email, including supplementary evidence, research or data can do so at accesstobankingservices@hmtreasury.gov.uk.

The evidence collected by the Review will inform future decisions on whether further action is needed.

The way people across the UK use retail banking services has changed significantly, with many customers now choosing to bank online. In response, banks and building societies have reshaped their branch networks, reflecting changing customer preferences. However, the Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and high streets and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament.

Over 275 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 235 are already open. Of these, 70 are temporary hubs. Temporary hubs offer the same services as permanent hubs.

LINK, the operator of the UK’s largest ATM network, is responsible for assessing a community’s access to cash needs and does not consider bank service provision. When asked to carry out a cash access assessment, LINK takes into consideration a wide range of criteria, including those unique to each location, such as the size and vulnerability of the population, existing and remaining cash access facilities and the number of shops. Specifically, LINK takes into consideration population demographics, seasonal population change, public transport times and cost, geographic barriers, and whether it is reasonable for people to travel to nearby facilities.

LINK uses a catchment area of 3 miles in rural locations and 1 mile in urban areas and considers if there is a significant impact on nearby towns. As part of its assessments, LINK will consider the available services in a community, including existing ATM provision, and recommend additional solutions if it is deemed necessary to ensure reasonable access to cash.

Where a hub is recommended by LINK following a planned branch closure, the branch cannot close until a suitable replacement service is in place. The average time to open a hub driven by the closure of the last bank in a town is under 12 months. Where a hub is recommended following a community request, Cash Access UK aims to provide a temporary solution within three months. FCA rules also require that, where additional services are needed, a solution must be put in place within 12 weeks, which may initially be a temporary service ahead of a permanent hub.

The provision of a bank’s services is a commercial decision for the firm, and the Government does not intervene in these decisions. However, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place alternatives where reasonable.

In addition to bank branches and banking hubs, the Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance and pay bills at more than 10,500 Post Office branches across the UK. The Government protects the Post Office network by setting minimum access criteria. These include ensuring that 99 per cent of the UK population lives within three miles of a Post Office and 90 per cent of the population within one mile.

The Government is committed to ensuring that people who need in-person banking can continue to access essential services. That is why on 14 May the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes in access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who it affects. The Review will consider access to in-person banking services for both personal and business customers.

The Call for Evidence has been published on GOV.UK at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/access-to-banking-services-review-call-for-evidence. It will run for 6 weeks and will close on 20 July.

Responses to the Call for Evidence can be submitted online via: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/accesstobankingservices . Those wishing to submit via email, including supplementary evidence, research or data can do so at accesstobankingservices@hmtreasury.gov.uk.

The evidence collected by the Review will inform future decisions on whether further action is needed.

LINK, the operator of the UK’s largest ATM network, is responsible for assessing a community’s access to cash needs. When asked to carry out a cash access assessment, LINK takes into consideration a wide range of criteria, including those unique to each location, such as the size and vulnerability of the population, existing and remaining cash access facilities and the number of shops. Specifically, LINK takes into consideration population demographics, public transport links and whether it is reasonable for people to travel to nearby facilities, including the actual travel distance. LINK uses a catchment area of 3 miles in rural locations and 1 mile in urban areas and considers if there is a significant impact on nearby towns.

The FCA is legally required to keep its rules under review, including those relating to access to cash. Where a resident, community organisation or other interested party feels access to cash in their community is insufficient, they can submit a request for a cash access assessment. LINK’s access to cash assessment process can be found on its website.

There are currently no existing legislative or regulatory protections for the provision of access to in-person banking services. That is why on 14 May, the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services to assess the impact of changes in the provision of in-person banking services. The Review will examine whether changes to access to in person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who and where it affects, including in rural, coastal, and market town communities, and will consider how current arrangements for assessing local need are operating in practice. The Chair will provide a report and recommendations to the Government upon its conclusion, at which point the Government will consider any future actions. Alongside the Review, the Financial Services and Markets Bill includes a power to allow the Government to take action in future to protect access to banking services, should this be necessary. This power ensures the Government can act swiftly and proportionately, including through future regulation, if the evidence from the Review supports intervention.

The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities, including those in rural and coastal areas and market towns, and continues to work closely with industry to support the roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 275 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 235 are already open across the UK.

In addition, customers can also access everyday banking services through the Post Office network, with over 10,000 branches providing services such as cash withdrawals and deposits, balance enquiries and bill payments.