Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing shared banking hub services in Northern Ireland.

Banking Hubs are a commercial initiative provided by participating retail banks and building societies in partnership with the Post Office to support access to cash and banking services in communities.

Banking Hubs offer basic counter services provided by Post Office staff, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank or building society for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy.

Decisions regarding the deployment of Banking Hubs and the range of services provided are taken on a commercial basis by the parties involved. To date, industry has committed to deliver Banking Hubs in 80 locations. Further information on Banking Hubs is available at: https://www.cashaccess.co.uk/

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 provides the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with responsibility and powers to seek to ensure reasonable provision of cash access services. The FCA is currently developing its approach and will consult in due course.