The UK government has announced plans to review access to banking services following a new wave of branch closures involving major banks including NatWest, Santander, Barclays, Lloyds, Halifax, HSBC and Bank of Scotland.
Hundreds of branches across the country have already closed in recent years as banks shift more services online. Additional closures scheduled throughout 2026 have increased concerns among customers, charities and local communities about reduced access to in-person banking.
In response, HM Treasury has confirmed it will launch an independent review examining the impact of branch closures and whether further government action may be needed.
Review
The government says the review will assess how branch closures are affecting communities across the UK, particularly people who still rely on face-to-face banking services.
According to HM Treasury, the review will:
- Examine the impact of branch closures
- Identify groups most affected
- Assess whether current alternatives are sufficient
- Consider whether further intervention is required
The government also confirmed it plans to introduce new powers through future legislation if evidence suggests additional protections are needed.
Government Banking Review Timeline
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Independent review launched | 2026 |
| Final report due | October 2026 |
| Review chair | Richard Lloyd OBE |
| Potential legislation | Financial Services and Markets Bill |
Treasury officials say the review reflects concerns that digital banking growth may leave some communities with limited access to essential financial services.
Closures
Banks say customer behaviour has changed significantly in recent years, with more people choosing to use mobile apps and online banking instead of visiting physical branches.
Several banks have therefore reduced their branch networks.
However, the scale of closures has raised concerns among older customers, rural communities, small businesses and people who may struggle with digital banking services.
Banks Announcing Closures
| Bank | Branch Closures Confirmed |
|---|---|
| NatWest | Yes |
| Santander | Yes |
| Lloyds Bank | Yes |
| Halifax | Yes |
| Bank of Scotland | Yes |
| HSBC | Previous closures |
| Barclays | Closure pause announced |
Barclays recently announced it would pause further closures for now and continue investing in its remaining branch network.
Hubs
Some closed branches are being replaced with shared banking hubs.
These hubs allow customers from multiple banks to access basic banking services in one location, including:
- Cash withdrawals
- Deposits
- Bill payments
- Face-to-face support
Cash Access UK says it has already opened 237 banking hubs and more than 140 deposit services across the country.
Banking Hub Progress
| Service | Number Opened |
|---|---|
| Banking hubs | 237 |
| Deposit services | 140+ |
According to Cash Access UK, around 95% of customer banking needs can be met through hub services.
Officials say banking hubs are intended to help communities maintain local access after traditional branches close.
Treasury
Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby said access to banking services remains important for households and communities, even as digital banking becomes more common.
The Treasury says the review will help determine where local banking access remains inadequate and whether additional measures are needed.
Richard Lloyd OBE, who will chair the review, said banking remains an essential service and that the review would examine the long-term need for in-person banking access across the UK.
The final report is expected by October 2026.
Credit Unions
Alongside the banking review, the government also confirmed plans to reform rules for credit unions.
Credit unions are member-owned financial co-operatives that provide services including:
- Savings accounts
- Loans
- Current accounts
The planned reforms are intended to help credit unions expand their membership and improve access to affordable financial services.
UK Credit Union Sector
| Measure | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Active UK credit unions | About 390 |
| Ownership model | Member-owned |
| Main services | Savings and loans |
Industry groups say the changes could help more households access lower-cost borrowing options at a time when many families face financial pressure.
NatWest
NatWest has confirmed a large number of branch closures throughout 2026.
Selected NatWest Closures
| Location | Closure Date |
|---|---|
| Loughton | May 18 |
| Tooting | May 18 |
| Hove | May 19 |
| Hemel Hempstead | June 1 |
| Liverpool Street Station | June 17 |
| Regent Street, London | September 30 |
Some locations scheduled to close in 2027 may remain open longer if banking hubs are introduced first.
Lloyds
Lloyds Bank and Halifax are also continuing with extensive closure programmes across England and Wales.
Selected Lloyds Closures
| Location | Closure Date |
|---|---|
| London Victoria | May 27 |
| Bournemouth | May 28 |
| Cardiff Victoria Park | June 3 |
| Lancaster | June 9 |
| Sevenoaks | June 18 |
Selected Halifax Closures
| Location | Closure Date |
|---|---|
| Hammersmith | May 28 |
| Chichester | June 1 |
| Bridgend | June 11 |
| Croydon City | June 25 |
| Torquay | July 9 |
Several closure dates remain subject to change if replacement banking hubs are approved.
Scotland
Bank of Scotland has also confirmed multiple branch closures across Scotland during 2026.
Selected Bank of Scotland Closures
| Location | Closure Date |
|---|---|
| Garrowhill | June 4 |
| Bridge Of Don | June 10 |
| Blairgowrie | June 18 |
| Benbecula | July 1 |
| Hawick | October 7 |
Local communities in some rural areas have expressed concerns about travel distances and reduced access to cash services after closures take effect.
Outlook
The government’s new Access to Banking Review signals growing concern about how rapidly changing banking habits are affecting communities across the UK.
While banks continue shifting toward digital services, ministers say it remains important that people can still access face-to-face banking when needed.
The findings of the review, expected later in 2026, could shape future legislation on branch closures, banking hubs and access to essential financial services across the country.
FAQs
Why are banks closing branches?
Banks say more customers now use online banking.
What is the Access to Banking Review?
A government review into branch closure impacts.
What are banking hubs?
Shared centres offering basic banking services.
Has Barclays paused closures?
Yes, Barclays paused its closure programme.
