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<p>The Treasury does not make assessments of bank branch closures, including the impact
on the financial well-being of the elderly, as this is a commercial matter for banks.
However, the Government believes it is important the impact of branch closures on
communities is understood, considered and mitigated where possible.</p><p> </p><p>That’s
why the Government supports the industry’s Access to Banking Standard which helps
customers to understand the options they have locally to continue to access banking
services, including specialist assistance for customers who need more help, which
may include the elderly.</p><p> </p><p>The Government also considers it important
that all customers, wherever they live and especially those who are vulnerable, can
still access over the counter banking services. The Post Office’s Banking Framework
Agreement enables 99% of banks’ personal customers to carry out their everyday banking
at a Post Office counter via its network of 11,500 branches. The Government believes
it is essential that more customers are aware of these useful services. This is why
we asked UK Finance and the Post Office to create a 5-point action plan to increase
publicity of Post Office banking services and ensure more customers can benefit from
them.</p>
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