To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of introducing bank hubs on high streets for those unable to use internet banking.

The government believes that all customers, wherever they live, should have appropriate access to banking services.

Banks are investing in new shared hubs that enable personal and business banking customers to access services such as depositing cheques, checking their balance and withdrawing and depositing cash. To date, industry has committed to shared bank hubs in 29 locations across the UK. Bank hubs also offer a dedicated space where customers can see community bankers from their own bank, where it is participating. The first post pilot phase bank hubs have opened in Brixham (Devon) and Cottingham (Yorkshire).

The locations of bank hub sites are recommended by LINK (which operates the UK’s largest ATM network). In the event of a closure of a core cash service or request from a local community, LINK will undertake an assessment of the community’s access to cash needs. LINK takes into account relevant information such as the size of the population, number of shops, demographic data and the nearest alternative services. In circumstances where LINK considers that a community requires additional cash services, industry will ensure a suitable shared solution for all cash users in that community, such as a bank hub or ATM.

There are also alternative options to access banking services for those who cannot use internet banking, including via telephone banking and via the Post Office.