Customers of Santander, Lloyds, and Halifax have received unwelcome news as more than a dozen bank branches across the UK closed their doors for good during November. This wave of closures adds to the thousands of branches that have disappeared from the British high street in recent years, raising significant concerns for communities and those reliant on in-person banking services.
A Detailed Look at the November Closures
The penultimate month of the year saw a significant number of shutdowns. According to the data, over 6,000 UK bank and building society branches have shut since 2015, representing a staggering loss of over 60 per cent of the network in a single decade. The consumer champion Which? reports that over 400 branches ceased operations in 2024 alone, with more than 200 already earmarked for closure in 2025.
The specific closures in November included several locations from major banking groups:
- Lloyds Bank saw branches close in Biggleswade, Blandford Forum, Bristol, Chard, Coventry, Debden, Dunstable, East Grinstead, Feltham, Ferndown, Hexham, Manchester, Plymstock, Pontardawe, Sheffield, and Shipston-on-Stour.
- Halifax closed its doors in Bolton, Hexham, and Wickford.
- Bank of Scotland shut branches in Thornhill and Moffat.
- Santander closed its London – Rotherhithe Road (Surrey Quays) branch.
The Impact on Customers and Communities
These closures have a profound effect, particularly on vulnerable members of society. Alistair Douglas, the CEO of TotallyMoney, highlighted the risk, stating: "They'll be less likely to have the understanding and ability to access online services and apps, effectively locking them out of the banking system." He emphasised the urgency of the situation, adding, "As we quickly advance towards an increasingly digital world, we must make sure that nobody is left behind."
Jenny Ross, Which?'s money editor, reinforced the importance of physical access to banking. "Access to cash remains hugely important for a significant minority who use it to pay for everyday essentials and keep track of their spending," she said. "The raft of branch closures that have happened over recent years have had devastating consequences for lots of communities, often forcing people to travel great distances to visit a branch."
Seeking Solutions for the Future
While the trend towards digital banking continues, the industry has proposed alternatives to mitigate the impact. Banking hubs, where customers from different banks can access services, are one such initiative. Jenny Ross noted that these schemes are "a good start in plugging gaps left by closing physical branches," but she stressed that "they must be rolled out much more quickly if consumers are to feel their benefits."
The ongoing closure programme underscores a fundamental shift in how Britons bank, leaving communities and consumer groups calling for a more inclusive and accessible financial services landscape for all.
