Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she is taking steps to support the accelerated roll out of the Ampthill post office banking hub.

Cash Access UK is responsible for rolling out banking hubs. It usually takes around 12 months for a Banking Hub to be set up by Cash Access UK. Steps include finding a suitable property, negotiating with landlords and signing leases and obtaining any necessary planning approval from the local authority.

Ampthill was recommended to receive a Banking Hub by LINK. Cash Access UK has found a suitable location for the Banking Hub in Ampthill and are now working to get the premises ready. It is currently due to open in Q2 this year. Works are due to start on site this month, subject to lease signing.