Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, has celebrated a major breakthrough after Lloyds Banking Group agreed to seek the restoration of cheque deposit services at Post Office branches and Banking Hubs until the end of 2030.
Neil Hudson was one of 121 MPs from across the House of Commons who signed a cross-party letter coordinated by Conservative MP Graham Stuart, calling on Lloyds to think again.
The letter was sent to Lloyds Banking Group Chief Executive Charlie Nunn after residents and MPs warned that older, vulnerable and digitally excluded customers were being left without access to a basic banking service still offered by other major banks.
Dr Hudson was particularly concerned with this given that Lloyds confirmed in February 2025 of its closure of its Debden branch. At the time of that announcement, Dr Hudson made representations to Lloyds, the Government, and LINK (who are responsible for assessing the effects of changes in access to cash such as bank closures), urging a rethink on this decision. This included urging the Government to look at this in the House of Commons Chamber, pointing out how unfair this decision is for those reliant on cheques and in person services, such as the elderly, disabled people, small businesses, charities and community groups. You can see more about this at the following links:
Likewise, Dr Hudson has sought to defend his Epping Forest constituents from decisions to close Natwest’s branch in Loughton and a Post Office branch at Brook Parade in Chigwell earlier this year. You can see more about his work on this:
https://www.neilhudson.org.uk/news/epping-forest-mp-calls-natwest-loughton-remain-open
In its response to the cross-party letter, Lloyds said it had reflected on feedback from customers and MPs and had asked the Post Office to accept cheque deposits into Lloyds accounts in Post Offices and Banking Hubs until the end of 2030.
The change is subject to the Post Office agreeing acceptable commercial terms with Lloyds.
MPs say Lloyds and the Post Office must now get the agreement signed so customers can deposit cheques locally again.
In its letter, Lloyds said it understood that for some customers, particularly those who are older or vulnerable, familiarity and reassurance remain important. It also said the decision to extend cheque deposits for a transition period until 2030 would ensure that those who may need more time are supported.
Dr Neil Hudson MP for Epping Forest said:
"This is a welcome step forward for customers who still need to deposit cheques locally."
"We need to make sure everyone can still access the full range of basic banking services. That includes people who still rely on cheques, particularly older residents, disabled customers, small businesses, charities and community groups."
"Lloyds has now moved in the right direction. Lloyds and the Post Office now need to get the agreement signed so customers can deposit cheques again.
“I hope that in this transition period that Lloyds will look at what more they can do to protect its customers access to in-person services for those reliant on them. I will always do what I can to champion access to services for folk here in Epping Forest.”
