Overview
- Major lenders confirmed a fresh tranche of closures this week that included 24 Halifax, Lloyds, NatWest and Bank of Scotland sites, with closure dates fixed for 245 branches to shut by the end of 2026.
- Banks say the move is driven by sustained falls in in‑person visits as customers shift to online and mobile banking and have announced alternatives such as shared banking hubs, community banking sessions, Post Office services and mobile branches.
- Lloyds Banking Group has set out a large programme that will close 166 branches across 2026–27 and separately announced 79 more Halifax and Lloyds sites to close over the next year; NatWest confirmed 18 permanent closures and pledged no further branch exits until at least 2029.
- Consumer groups and campaigners warn older and vulnerable customers who rely on face‑to‑face support and cash services risk losing vital access, while industry bodies LINK and Cash Access UK are expanding hubs and ATM/deposit provision to fill gaps.
- The closures form part of a multi‑year trend of high‑street retreat that has already seen thousands of branches close since the mid‑2010s and prompted a government review that could change how closures are assessed and where hubs or protections are required.