MP Calls for Debate on Bank Closures

Many constituents have contacted me by email, telephone and social media to raise their concerns about the decisions of NatWest and Santander to close their branches in Newton Aycliffe.

I can understand the concerns raised. That is why I recently met with representatives from NatWest and Santander to discuss the closures.

The banks said the decision to close their branches in Newton Aycliffe was driven by local data which showed the way customers in Newton Aycliffe were choosing to bank was changing with the majority of their customers already banking in other ways.

This included online banking, use of Mobile Banking apps or over the phone. As a result, according to the banks, transactions in their respective branches had fallen dramatically recently.

With the closures, customers will now need to rely on the local post office to access banking services such as balance enquiries, cash withdrawals and cash and cheque deposits.

NatWest and Santander both assured me they are committed to supporting customers ahead of the branch closure and assisting them to use alternative ways of banking.

The loss of local bank branches is not just a reality facing Newton Aycliffe. In my constituency alone, 4 bank branches will close by the end of June 2018. As well as the closure of the branches in Newton Aycliffe, NatWest will also close a branch in Ferryhill and Barclays will be closing their branch in Sedgefield village.

This is part of a wider national picture where the big banks closed 650 branches between 2015 and 2016, which is leaving more and more towns without a local branch as more and more people find other ways to bank.

I still believe there is a role for bank branches in our communities. That is why, with Ruth Smeeth, the MP for Stoke on Trent North, I am calling for a debate in the House of Commons on community banking.

If you have any comments on the bank closure in Ferryhill, please let me know by emailing me at phil.wilson.mp@parliament.uk or write to me 4 Beveridge Walkway, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, DL5 4EE.

Phil Wilson, M.P.