Which? responds to news Barclays will close 14 further bank branches

Jenny Ross, Which? Money Editor, said: 

“Bank branch closures don’t just make access to cash more difficult for the millions of people across the country who rely on it, but also cuts vital in-person banking services, which are particularly important for customers who are not ready or able to bank online. 

“Schemes introduced by the banking industry to protect these services, such as banking hubs, are a good start in plugging gaps left by the removal of physical branches, but they must be rolled out much more quickly if consumers are to feel their benefits.

“Also of concern is the prospect of cash users having to fork out their own money just to make withdrawals. The government must look again at proposals to introduce guaranteed minimum levels of free access to cash.”

-ENDS- 

Notes to Editors

Which? has long campaigned to protect people’s access to cash. Read more about our campaign here: https://campaigns.which.co.uk/freedom-to-pay/

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