Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, has signed a cross-party letter calling on Lloyds Banking Group to restore cheque deposit services at Post Office branches and Banking Hubs.
The letter, coordinated by the Conservative MP Graham Stuart, has also been signed by 120 MPs including Mel Stride, the Shadow Chancellor, and others from parties across the political spectrum.
It asks Lloyds Banking Group Chief Executive Charlie Nunn to personally review the bank’s decision so older, vulnerable and digitally excluded customers are not left behind.
The issue affects Lloyds customers who rely on Post Office branches across Epping Forest for local banking services, as Lloyds is the only major British bank which does not allow its customers to deposit cheques at Post Office branches and Banking Hubs. [1]
This is especially pertinent in Epping Forest given the decision of Lloyds Bank to close their Debden branch, first announced in February 2025.
When this was announced, Dr Hudson campaigned for a rethink of this decision, making representations to Lloyds, the Government and LINK, who are responsible for assessments of the impacts of changes in access to cash, both in writing and in the House of Commons Chamber, to highlight how unfair this is to customers who still rely on cheques, especially older residents, disabled people, small businesses, charities and community groups. You can see more about this at the following links:
Dr Hudson has consistently worked to defend the access of constituents to local services including banks and post offices, writing to challenge 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 to protect these branches at the following links:
https://www.neilhudson.org.uk/news/epping-forest-mp-calls-natwest-loughton-remain-open
He has also, as part of His Majesty’s Official Opposition, joined Conservative colleagues in opposing reported Labour plans to cut the Post Office subsidy, that could have affected up to 7 of the 15 post offices currently in the constituency. Following this pressure, the Government backed down on these plans.
Dr Hudson continues to champion the right of local residents to access the in-person services they need.
The cross-party letter says:
“Banking Hubs have made a real difference to communities across the UK. Constituents who lost access to face-to-face banking following branch closures have welcomed them, and we recognise the role Lloyds has played in supporting their development.
“However, Lloyds is the only major British bank that does not allow its customers to deposit cheques at Post Office branches and Banking Hubs, and our constituents are struggling as a result.”
Cheques are declining, but they have not disappeared. Pay.UK data show that 44% of current account holders still use cheques, and Age UK has told Parliament that around half of people aged 65 and over use cheques regularly. [2] [3]
In Q4 2025 alone, 19.6 million cheques worth £26.8 billion were processed. [4]
The MPs also warn that alternatives such as freepost and banking apps do not work for everyone. Some customers cannot use digital banking. Others need the reassurance of handing a cheque over in person and knowing it has been logged and secured.
Dr Neil Hudson commented:
“Local Post Offices are vital for people in Epping Forest who need access to basic banking services.
“But we need to make sure everyone can still access the full range of basic banking services, including people who still rely on cheques, particularly older residents, people with access issues, small businesses, charities and community groups.”
“That is why I have signed this cross-party letter calling on Lloyds to restore cheque deposit services.”
“I will always stand up for the inclusion of all residents of Epping Forest to have access to the high street services they need.
Notes
The cross-party letter has been coordinated by Conservative Graham Stuart MP and signed by 120 MPs from across the House of Commons.
Government ministers are unable to sign such letters, but several have written to Lloyds in a personal capacity to raise the issue.
The letter is addressed to Charlie Nunn, Chief Executive of Lloyds Banking Group, and asks him to personally review the decision to withdraw cheque deposit services through Post Office branches and Banking Hubs.
Sources:
[1] Lloyds Banking Group customer information on cheque deposits and Post Office / Banking Hub access.
[2] Pay.UK cheque usage research showing 44% of current accountholders still use cheques.
[3] Age UK evidence to Parliament on cheque use among people aged 65 and over.
[4] Pay.UK Quarterly Statistical Report, Q4 2025.
