The petition of residents of the constituency of North East Fife,
Declares that everyone should be able to access cash and banking advice when they need it; further declares that this should not be restricted by poor mobile or broadband connectivity, not having easy access to a phone, or preferring to do transactions face to face; further declares that although almost 14,000 people live in the area surrounding Cupar and the town serves many more in the surrounding villages, Cupar is served by just one building society following the closure of multiple local bank branches; further declares that it is not feasible for many people to travel outwith Cupar to neighbouring towns such as St Andrews in light of cuts to bus routes; and further declares that a cash hub would allow consumers and businesses to access and bank cash safely and a banking hub would provide vital face to face services and advice for the community.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to work with the banking industry to deliver a cash or banking hub for Cupar.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Wendy Chamberlain, Official Report, 19 May 2026; Vol. 786, c. 516.]
[P003199]
Observations from the Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Rachel Blake): The Government thank the hon. Member for North East Fife (Wendy Chamberlain) for submitting the petition on behalf of her constituents regarding access to cash and banking facilities in North East Fife and their request for the establishment of a banking hub in Cupar.
The Government understand the importance of in-person banking to communities and high streets and are committed to ensuring sufficient access for those who need it. 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 275 hubs have been recommended by Link, and more than 235 hubs are open and delivering vital cash and in-person banking services.
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.
Regarding the petition for banking hubs in North East Fife, it is important to note that the locations of banking hubs are independently determined by Link, the industry co-ordinating body responsible for undertaking access to cash assessments.
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 small and medium-sized enterprises); 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, the decision can be appealed within 28 days of the assessment. More information on the appeals process is available on Link’s website here:
https://www.link.co.uk/our-assessments/appeal-an-assessment
Everyday in-person banking services can also be accessed via the 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 over 10,500 post office branches across the UK.
The Government have commissioned an independent review into access to banking services, to assess whether changes in access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who it affects. The review will consider access to in-person banking services for both personal and business customers. HM Treasury launched the access to banking services review on 8 June, with the publication of the call for evidence. The call for evidence will run for six weeks and will close on 20 July. Input is sought from consumers, businesses, charities, community organisations, local authorities and industry across the UK. Evidence gathered will shape the review’s recommendations, with the chair, Richard Lloyd OBE, due to publish his findings in October.
The evidence collected by the review will inform future decisions on whether further action is needed. Alongside the review, the Financial Services and Markets Bill includes a power to allow the Government to take action in future to protect access to banking services, should this be necessary. This power ensures the Government can act swiftly and proportionately, including through future regulation, if the evidence from the review supports intervention.