Rules around bank branch closures have been branded a box-ticking exercise as they do nothing to stop the tide of cuts to the UK’s network.
Consumer champion Which? says despite the introduction of an Access to Banking code in 2017, which requires banks to assess the impact on communities of branch cuts, more than a third have gone over the past five years.
Which? found HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group, Santander, the Co-operative Bank, TSB and Virgin Money have never reversed a closure decision.
Collectively hey have shut more than 600 branches since the code came into effect. Closures announced for this year could lead a further 247 to go, although banks including HSBC and Lloyds Banking Group have paused plans due to the coronavirus.
Read more on mirror.co.uk