Lloyds Banking Group has announced the closure of 136 branches across its three brands: Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland. The closures, scheduled between May 2024 and March 2026, mark another significant reduction in the number of physical bank branches in the UK as digital banking continues to grow.
Why are the branches closing?
The bank cited the ongoing shift towards online and mobile banking as the key reason for these closures. A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson highlighted that over 20 million customers now manage their accounts via the bank’s mobile app and online services, reducing the demand for in-person banking.
To support customers affected by the closures, the bank emphasized the availability of alternative banking options, including:
- Online and mobile banking
- Telephone banking
- Community banker services
- Post Office partnerships (with over 11,000 locations for everyday banking)
- Banking hubs, where multiple banks share facilities
The bank also confirmed that all employees at closing branches would be offered alternative roles within the company.
How will customers be impacted?
Despite the rise in digital banking, the closures may disproportionately affect elderly and vulnerable customers. According to consumer group Which?, since January 2015, the UK has lost over 6,214 bank and building society branches, averaging around 53 closures per month.
Although many UK residents now bank online, data shows that only 14% of those aged 85 and older use digital banking, raising concerns that some individuals may face challenges accessing financial services.
Recent changes to Lloyds Banking Group services
These closures follow a recent restructuring of in-person banking services across the group’s three brands. Under the new policy, customers of Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland can now visit any branch within the group for banking services, rather than being limited to their specific brand’s locations.
This move is aimed at providing greater flexibility, but the overall reduction in branches could still make in-person services less accessible in certain areas.
Complete list of affected branches
Halifax branches closing in 2025
Notable locations include:
- Acomb (York) – January 13
- Alnwick – January 15
- Belfast (Castle Court) – February 4
- Camberley – March 11
- Liverpool (Prescot Road) – January 8
- Southampton (Bitterne Road) – June 9
- Winchester – January 20
Lloyds Bank branches closing in 2025
Key closures include:
- Ashbourne – June 24
- Beccles – May 6
- Bolton Farnworth – May 28
- Bristol Bishopsworth – November 6
- Coventry Foleshill – November 4
- Leeds (Harehills Lane) – January 8
- Southampton (Shirley High Street) – January 28
Bank of Scotland branches closing in 2025
Significant closures include:
- Banff – May 8
- Dunfermline – January 21
- Leven – May 7
- Montrose – March 10
- North Berwick – February 19
- Wick – June 25
The closure of these 136 branches is part of a broader trend in the UK banking sector, where financial institutions continue to reduce their physical presence in response to shifting customer preferences. While digital banking offers greater convenience for many, the loss of local branches raises concerns about accessibility, particularly for older and less tech-savvy customers.
