The petition of users of the Bank of Scotland Moffat Branch,
Declares that residents of Moffat and Upper Annandale and visitors to the area will be left without banking services and access to cash by the proposed closure of the local Bank of Scotland branch in Moffat, thereby causing significant concern and worry for the local community, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, and local businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, who rely on this these banking services; Further that the petition organised locally by Evelyn Atkins calling on the Bank of Scotland to reverse the closure decision that has garnered over 3,000 signatures from the local community and visitors to the town.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to consider the concerns of the petitioners and take immediate action to call on the Bank of Scotland to keep its Moffat Branch open and to ensure that the residents of Moffat and Upper Annandale, with proper access to cash and banking facilities.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by David Mundell, Official Report, 01 September 2025; Vol. 772, c. 114.]
[P003104]
Observations from the Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Lucy Rigby):
The Government thank the right hon. Member for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale (David Mundell MP) for submitting the petition on behalf of his constituents regarding access to cash and banking facilities in Moffat. I am sorry to hear of his constituents’ concerns at the upcoming closure of the Bank of Scotland branch in Moffat and the challenges that his constituents are facing in accessing cash and banking services.
The Government understand the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets, including those in rural areas such as Dumfriesshire, and are committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. This is why the Government are working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 180 hubs are open and delivering vital cash and in-person banking services, and over 240 have been recommended by LINK.
Regarding the specific closure of the Bank of Scotland in Moffat, Financial Conduct Authority guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place alternatives where reasonable. This seeks to ensure that branch closures are implemented in a way that treats customers fairly. Where firms fall short of expectations, the FCA may ask for closures to be paused or other options to be put in place.
The Government also recognise that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and are committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses.
The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 established the FCA as the lead regulator for access to cash. The FCA introduced regulatory rules for access to cash in September 2024.
These rules require the UK’s largest banks and building societies to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility, and put in place a new service if necessary.
When receiving a community request or notification of a branch closure, LINK will first assess what will be left in a community after a change to the cash services on a high street. Then LINK undertakes an assessment of the impact on the local community, looking at the proximity to the nearest branch; size of the community (population and number of SMEs); and the extent of community vulnerability, old age and digital skills. LINK also assesses local needs via an in-person visit. This gives the opportunity for LINK to take into account specific aspects of the local area such as a steep hill or poor transport links.
LINK publishes the outcomes of its assessments on its website. If, as a result of an assessment, LINK has not recommended a banking hub or additional cash service, the decision can be appealed within 28 days of the assessment. More information on the appeals process is available on its website.
Everyday in-person banking services can also be accessed via a post office. The Post Office banking framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 post office branches across the UK.
The Government understand that LINK have recommended enhancements to the post office in Moffat to enable it to better serve individuals and businesses with their cash needs. The Government understand that Bank of Scotland will separately provide a community banker to Moffat once to the branch is closed, similar to the community banker currently operating in Sanquhar council offices following another Bank of Scotland closure in May. Bank of Scotland community bankers can help support customers with various account services, including payments and transfers, managing their card and pin, viewing and ordering statements, and help with online banking or money management.