Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he next plans to meet representatives of the Clydesdale Bank to discuss rural branch closures.

Treasury Ministers and officials have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors, including RBS, Lloyds and Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banking Groups, as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Details of ministerial and permanent secretary meetings with external organisations on departmental business are published on a quarterly basis and are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmt-ministers-meetings-hospitality-gifts-and-overseas-travel

The decision to open or close branches is a commercial matter, in which the Government does not intervene. However, the impact of closures on communities must be understood, considered and mitigated where possible.

The industry’s Access to Banking Standard, launched in May 2017, commits banks to ensure personal and business customers are better informed about branch closures and the reasons for them closing, along with the options they have locally to continue to access banking services, including specialist assistance for customers who need more help. The Access to Banking Standard is monitored and enforced by the independent Lending Standards Board.

99% of personal and 95% of banks’ business customers are now able to withdraw cash, deposit cash and cheques, and make balance enquiries at a Post Office counter via its network of 11,600 branches. In February, I wrote to the Post Office and UK Finance requesting further details of their proposals to raise public awareness of the banking services available at the Post Office for individuals and SMEs. I look forward to receiving their proposals later this month.