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<p>The Treasury has not made an assessment. The decision to close a branch is a commercial
issue for the management team of the bank. However, Government believes it is important
the impact on communities must be understood, considered and mitigated where possible.</p><p>
</p><p>The Government supports the industry’s Access to Banking Standard which commits
banks to ensure personal and business customers are better informed about branch closures
and the reasons for them closing. It also helps customers to understand the options
they have locally to continue to access banking services, including specialist assistance
for customers who need more help. The Access to Banking Standard is monitored and
enforced by the independent Lending Standards Board.</p><p> </p><p>Government also
considers it important that all customers, wherever they live and especially those
who are vulnerable, can still access over the counter services. That is why we support
the Post Office’s Banking Framework Agreement, which enables 99% of banks’ personal
and 95% of banks’ small business customers to withdraw cash, deposit cash and cheques,
and make balance enquiries at a Post Office counter via its network of 11,500 branches.</p><p>
</p><p>The Government is committed to ensuring that communities across the UK are
fully aware of the important services that remain available to them at their local
Post Office, even if their bank branch is closed. In response to my predecessor’s
request, the Post Office and UK Finance have committed to work together to raise public
awareness of the banking services available at the Post Office for individuals and
SMEs.</p>
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