Overview

• Banks have confirmed the closure of 62 branches in June 2025, including 14 from Lloyds/Halifax, 25 from NatWest, and 23 from Santander.
• The closures are part of a broader strategy to address a 48% decline in over-the-counter transactions as customers increasingly adopt digital banking.
• NatWest alone plans to shut 53 branches in 2025 while investing over £20 million to upgrade remaining branches and digital platforms.
• Regulators require banks to ensure continued local cash access through ATMs and Post Office banking hubs, with 150 hubs already operational and Labour pledging to expand this to 350.
• Community advocates warn that rural and elderly customers face significant challenges due to reduced in-person banking options, prompting campaigns for expanded financial accessibility.