A Nottinghamshire town that was left without a bank will host one of nine new 'banking hubs'. Banking hubs are a shared banking space on the high street, with dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank.
The community bankers work on rotation, with a different banking provider available on each day of the week. One of the new hubs will be set up in Stapleford, with others planned in Clay Cross, Derbyshire and Oakham, Rutland, following assessments by the cash access and ATM network operator Link.
Conservative MP Darren Henry, who represents Broxtowe, previously said the closure of The Nottingham building society's Stapleford branch, which was announced in September, would leave the town centre with no banking services. The Conservative MP said it was "unacceptable" as high street banking is a "lifeline" for many people.
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There are currently four banking hubs up and running across the UK, in Devon, South Lanarkshire, East Riding and Essex. Link has also recommended new deposit services in six communities, which includes Ripley, across the border in Derbyshire.
The new deposit services will provide consumers and businesses with accessible ways to deposit cash without having to visit a bank branch. Cash Access UK, a bank-owned company, will now open the new hubs and deposit services.
The total number of new cash services recommended by Link is now 76 – comprised of 38 banking hubs and 38 deposit services.
The banking hubs scheme is funded by banks.
Multiple Nottinghamshire banks have closed, or been scheduled for closure, in the past year. Various other initiatives have been taken place to plug the gaps, including cashback in shops.
People can also do their everyday banking over the Post Office’s counters, under an agreement with several banks. The Government has said it will legislate to protect the future of cash.
John Howells, CEO, Link, said: “Access to cash and face-to-face banking services continues to be important for millions of people across the UK. Not everyone can or is able to go digital yet, so we’re pleased to announce new cash services to support these communities.”
Jenny Ross, Which? Money editor, said: “With thousands of bank branches shutting their doors in recent years, those who rely on cash and in-person banking services need alternative forms of access, so it’s encouraging to see that more banking hubs are set to open.
“As cash makes a comeback by helping many people to manage their finances during the cost-of-living crisis, the rollout of these banking hubs must be speeded up. They simply aren’t opening quickly enough to offset the impact of hundreds of branches closing every year.
“Which? also recognises the importance of deposit facilities, especially for small businesses, and looks forward to learning more about how they will function. Ultimately, however, what’s needed most is long-awaited Government legislation to protect access to cash, with guaranteed minimum levels of free access to it, so people don’t have to fork out to get hold of their own money.”
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