Face-to-face bank services must be saved, insists MP

A NORTHUMBERLAND MP has urged the Government to tackle the “ongoing wave” of high street bank closures. Labour's Ian Lavery said even the largest towns in the county were becoming “banking deserts”, with half of all branches lost since 2015.

- JAMES ROBINSON

In a speech in the House of Commons on Thursday, Mr Lavery said the closures left vulnerable residents without access to essential services. The Blyth and Ashington MP said the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) needed more powers to protect access for face-to-face banking.

Mr Lavery said: “The elderly, disabled and digitally excluded are being left behind. Banks are deserting communities they once profited from with no accountability, no real consultation, and no alternative services in place.