Halifax, a major part of the Lloyds Banking Group, is permanently shutting the doors of two more of its high street branches this week. The move is a direct response to the accelerating shift towards digital banking, with millions of customers now preferring to manage their finances via smartphone apps.
Which Branches Are Closing and When?
The two locations scheduled for closure are both set to cease operations on Wednesday, January 22, 2026. The affected branches are situated in Deal and Hastings. This continues a wider trend of physical bank closures across the UK as financial institutions adapt to changing customer habits.
Why Are These Closures Happening?
A spokesperson for Lloyds Banking Group pointed to a dramatic change in how people conduct their banking. The group now has over 21 million customers using its apps to handle their money. "The way people are banking has changed," the spokesperson stated, emphasising the bank's focus on blending digital convenience with human support.
The closure process is not taken lightly. Lloyds Banking Group stated it follows Financial Conduct Authority guidance and conducts detailed reviews for each branch facing closure. This includes producing two documents: a Part 1 review explaining the decision at the announcement stage, and a Part 2 summary of community feedback available two weeks before the final closure.
What Banking Alternatives Are Available?
For customers affected by the closures, Halifax has outlined a range of alternative options for everyday banking needs:
- Using the Halifax, Lloyds Bank, or Bank of Scotland mobile apps and online banking services.
- Visiting any remaining branch within the Lloyds Banking Group family, which includes Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland outlets.
- Accessing services at local Post Office branches or through newly established Banking Hubs.
- Depositing cash at more than 30,000 PayPoint locations nationwide.
Furthermore, the bank may deploy a Community Banker to visit the area after a branch shuts, or support the creation of a local Banking Hub or deposit service following an independent review. The group is also promoting its "co-servicing" initiative, allowing customers to manage personal accounts from Halifax, Lloyds, or Bank of Scotland in one place, whether online, over the phone, or in a branch.
These latest closures underscore the ongoing transformation of the UK's banking landscape, where the digital high street is increasingly replacing the physical one, prompting customers and communities to adapt to new ways of accessing financial services.
