Which? comments as Lloyds Banking Group confirms it will close a number of branches this year
Jenny Ross, Which? Money Editor, said:
“The loss of yet more branches to an already devastated network will hit communities across the UK hard, as there is still a clear demand for access to traditional banking services and cash.
“If the industry wants to encourage people online then banks must demonstrate that their systems are up to scratch by drastically reducing the number of IT outages that customers endure – and also by equipping them with the skills needed to benefit from digital services.
“The government should urgently intervene with legislation that protects access to cash as a vital backup and for as long as it is needed.”
Notes to editors
Which? research found that two thirds of people would find life difficult without convenient access to a branch, while 11 million people lack the confidence to carry out basic banking tasks online.
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