§ Lord Walton of Detchantasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they foresee any social consequences of the decision by Barclays Bank plc to close branches in Northumberland, with the result that elderly and disabled individuals living in remote rural areas may no longer have access to banking facilities; and, if so, whether there is any action which they can take. [HL1418]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe Government recognise that some people may be faced with difficulties when banks close branches. The Treasury Policy Action Team (PAT 14)Access to Financial Services recommended the further development of new banking services and new ways to access them. The Government are contributing almost £500 million to the capital costs of computerising the Post Office network, to enable a wider range of services to be offered. The Post Office has recently announced plans to install more ATMs mainly in rural branches. A number of banks already have agreements with the Post Office to provide banking services through post offices.