In February, major UK banking institutions, such as Bank of Scotland, Halifax, and Lloyds Bank, plan to eliminate 19 branches nationwide. The closures align with a broader banking industry trend of reducing physical locations; since 2015, more than 6,200 bank branches have permanently shut down across the country.
From Swindon to Belfast, these closures will affect communities across, posing questions regarding access to banking services, especially for disadvantaged clients and those living in remote locations. The consumer advocacy organization Which? has called attention to the rapidly increasing number of bank closures, with 169 already scheduled for 2025.
Widespread Closures Reshape High Street Banking
In the UK, local bank branch closures have been a recurring problem, with large banks drastically cutting back on their physical presence. Which? reports that since January 2015, 6,266 branches have closed, with an average of 53 closures each month.
At least 169 more branches are scheduled to close in 2025. The upcoming closures include:
- 53 NatWest branches
- 45 Lloyds branches
- 43 Halifax branches
- 14 Bank of Scotland branches
- 8 TSB branches
- 6 Barclays branches
Banks have justified these closures by pointing to the increasing shift towards online banking, with fewer customers visiting physical locations. However, critics argue that the move disproportionately affects elderly individuals, small businesses, and those without reliable internet access.
Full List of Closures Planned for February
Customers of Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland will see their local branches shut next month, with closures spanning England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Lloyds Bank closures (9 branches)
- Swindon, 5 High Street – February 3
- Kendal, 11 Finkle Street – February 10
- Cranbrook, Woodside High Street – February 11
- Brecon, 38 High Street – February 11
- Stow-on-the-Wold, The Square Stow-on-the-Wold – February 17
- Brynmawr, 72 King Street – February 18
- Chesham, 79 High Street – February 24
- St Ives, 1 The Pavement – February 24
- Liskeard, The Parade – February 25
Halifax Bank closures (4 branches)
- Belfast, Castle Court Royal Avenue – February 4
- Belfast, 17-18 Connswater Shopping Centre – February 10
- Kendal, 21/23 Highgate – February 10
- Gillingham, 97-101 High Street – February 11
Bank of Scotland closures (3 branches)
- Golspie – February 4
- Linlithgow – February 18
- North Berwick – February 3
Many consumers are nevertheless worried about their access to essential financial services, even if banks assert that alternative banking options like Post Office banking and mobile branches might lessen the impact. The future of high street banking in the UK is still up in the air, with further closures anticipated in 2025.
