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<p>The decision to close a branch is a commercial issue for banks and building societies
and the Government does not intervene in these decisions.</p><p> </p><p>However, the
Government firmly believes that the impact of branch closures should be understood,
considered and mitigated where possible so that all customers and businesses continue
to have access to banking services. That is why the Government continues to be supportive
of the Access to Banking Standard which commits firms to ensure customers are well
informed about branch closures, the bank’s reasons for closure and options for continued
access to banking services.</p><p> </p><p>Alternative options for access include the
Post Office, which allows 95% of business and 99% of personal banking customers to
carry out their everyday banking at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Regarding
rural access, the Post Office is required by the Department for Business, Energy and
Industrial Strategy to ensure that 95% of the total rural population across the UK
is within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office outlet.</p><p> </p><p>In September
2020, the Financial Conduct Authority also published guidance setting out its expectation
of firms when they are deciding to reduce their physical branches or the number of
free-to-use ATMs. Firms are expected to carefully consider the impact of a planned
closure on their personal and small business customers’ everyday banking and cash
access needs, and other relevant branch services and consider possible alternative
access arrangements. This will ensure the implementation of closure decisions is undertaken
in a way that treats customers fairly.</p>
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