Today in the House of Commons, Epping Forest MP Dr Neil Hudson urged a rethink on the planned closure of Lloyds Bank in Debden, and for the Government to do more to ensure that residents and businesses have access to high street banking services in their communities, during a major Parliamentary Debate on access to banking services.
In January, it was announced that Lloyds Bank in Debden would close its doors amidst a spate of cuts to services across Essex and the country.
In immediate response to this, Dr Hudson quickly responded by writing to Lloyds Bank, LINK and the Government, highlighting the real concern this announcement has caused local residents and businesses who rely on the branch, particularly those who are elderly or struggle with their mobility and thus may struggle to access alternative branches, and called for an immediate re-think of the decision. LINK is the organisation responsible for carrying out assessments when changes are made to cash access.
Dr Hudson’s latest intervention marked further action in his campaign to save the bank, and highlighted the action needed in this area from the Government and LINK, to ensure that everyone has access to physical banking when they need it and do not suffer as a result of the loss of high street branches.
Following the debate, Dr Hudson commented:
“The planned Lloyds Bank’s closure of their branch later this year in Debden continues to be a huge concern for me, as I know it is for our local residents and businesses who rely on the vital face-to-face services they provide. It is especially worrying for those who are elderly or for whom mobility and transport issues make accessing another branch really difficult, if not impossible.”
“This awful decision to close the last bank in Debden needs to be re-thought and I will not stop fighting for my residents and businesses on this. Government and LINK need to step in and protect our High Street banking.”
It’s clear from today’s debate that access to banking on our high streets is an issue right across the country, and I therefore urge the Government not to shirk their responsibility, but instead to step in to put pressure on the banks, and work with LINK and others to ensure everyone has access to the banking services that they crucially need.”
