There is no indication that the UK’s bank branch closure trend would abate, as Barclays has announced further cuts for January 2025. The move highlights the banking giant’s shift to online and mobile banking solutions, as it aims to close 99 branches by 2024 and 2025 after closing 177 branches in 2023.
Even though a lot of consumers have adopted digital banking, issues with accessibility for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those living in rural regions, still exist. Commentators and advocacy organisations are urging greater action to help individuals affected by this change.
Barclays : Six Branches Set to Close in January 2025
Details about the six branches that Barclays plans to close in January 2025 have been made public. These include :
- Barnard Castle – 1 Market Place, England, DL12 8NF – January 17, 2025
- Cockermouth – 30 Main Street, England, CA13 9LQ – January 17, 2025
- Pickering – 41 Market Place, England, YO18 7AE – January 17, 2025
- Tredegar – 21-22 Castle Street, Wales, NP22 3DF – January 17, 2025
- Ystrad Mynach – 27 Bedwlwyn Road, Wales, CF82 7AA – January 17, 2025
- St Neots – 41 High Street, England, PE19 1AS – January 30, 2025
By the middle to end of January, each will close, giving local clients few options for in-person banking.
Sam Richardson, deputy editor at Which?, highlighted the potential fallout from these closures. “While some may hardly notice the closure of their local branch as they seamlessly switch to online banking, for others reliant on face-to-face services, the impact can be disastrous.” The closures are a part of a broader trend in the business, as other big banks including NatWest, HSBC, and Lloyds are all decreasing their physical presence on high streets.
Efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of these closures. The UK government has pledged to accelerate the rollout of shared banking hubs, providing a lifeline for communities where bank branches have become scarce. Yet critics argue progress has been slow, leaving gaps in service for thousands of customers.
Balancing Modernisation With Accessibility
The closures reflect a broader move towards modernisation within the banking industry. Barclays, like many of its competitors, cites declining footfall at branches and a growing preference for digital banking as key drivers of its strategy. Mobile apps, online platforms, and telephone services now handle the majority of routine transactions.
However, the shift raises questions about equity and access. A significant portion of the population either lacks digital literacy or prefers face-to-face interaction for complex financial matters. The absence of local branches can exacerbate financial exclusion, particularly in underserved or rural areas.
Community advocates and financial watchdogs have called for urgent measures to address these disparities. “It’s not about halting closures altogether, but ensuring that essential banking services remain accessible to those who still rely on them. It is crucial that the government prioritises opening more hubs quickly, so that people aren’t left behind.” Richardson emphasised.
Barclays has not disclosed further closures beyond January but remains committed to supporting affected customers. In the meantime, initiatives such as digital training workshops and temporary mobile branches are being explored to bridge the gap. As the UK banking landscape evolves, the challenge lies in ensuring technological advancement does not come at the cost of inclusivity and accessibility.
