LINK, the UK’s cash machine and cash access network, has today made it’s 100th recommendation as the co-ordinating body for bank branch closures. Bramhall, in Greater Manchester, is the 100th location which has met the criteria for shared banking services.
LINK took on the role as the co-ordinating body last year and has since analysed the impact of 847 bank branch closures, as well as received over 600 requests from members of the public.
Bramhall has been recommended as a result of community requests including from Mary Robinson MP, who made the case for banking services following the closure of several banks in the area.
LINK has also today published recommendations for a new deposit service in Horsforth (West Yorkshire), Dorking (Surrey) and Marple (Greater Manchester).
52 of the recommendations so far have been for shared banking hubs, which are similar to a traditional bank branch, but available to everyone. They allow customers of any bank to withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions. They also provide private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy.
A further 48 recommendations have been made for enhanced deposit services to support local businesses. Cash Access UK, the infrastructure company, is now working to deliver those services across the country.
|
Country |
Banking Hubs |
Deposit Services |
Total |
|
England |
39 |
40 |
79 |
|
Northern Ireland |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Scotland |
7 |
1 |
8 |
|
Wales |
5 |
6 |
11 |
|
Total |
52 |
48 |
100 |
Of the 100 recommendations, consumers in Brixham (Devon), Cambuslang (South Lanarkshire), Cottingham (East Riding of Yorkshire) and Rochford (Essex) already have operational banking hubs.
John Howells, LINK CEO: "It’s vital to protect face-to-face banking services for the millions of consumers who rely on cash. 100 locations have now met agreed criteria for new services, and the shared hubs and deposit solutions being delivered will prove a valuable asset to those high streets."
