Sarah Green secures meeting with Government to discuss local banking services

Sarah Green has today called on the government to protect access to in-person banking services in Chesham and Amersham.

The closure of Barclays’ Amersham branch was announced in December 2022. It follows the closure of Amersham-On-The-Hill's HSBC in August 2022 and the loss of multiple banks in nearby towns in the preceding years.

Speaking during Treasury Questions in the House of Commons today, the Chesham and Amersham MP said:

“Following a string of local bank branch closures in recent years, news of yet another branch shutting up shop in Amersham on the 1st of March has caused great concern amongst my constituents.

“Some of those affected will struggle to make the journey to the next nearest branch and are not confident that the alternative provision promised will meet their needs.

“Does the Minister agree that the creation of banking hubs, as he mentioned, should be triggered by the communities that need them and will he meet with me to discuss the need for such a hub in my constituency?”

Responding for the Government, Economic Secretary to the Treasury Andrew Griffith agreed to meet with her.

Reacting, Green said:

“Towns around my constituency have seen banks disappearing from their high streets at an alarming rate.

“Residents are worried that these closures will make it harder to do business locally and result in the isolation of individuals who cannot bank online.

“I look forward to meeting with the Minister to discuss these concerns in more detail.

“This is about far more than the closure of one bank branch.”

ENDS

Note to Editors

Transcript of Sarah’s question available at: In-person Banking Services - Hansard - UK Parliament