High street banking giants Lloyds and Halifax have announced plans to close a total of 55 branches across the United Kingdom, a move that will force many customers to travel further to deposit and withdraw cash.
Full List of Branch Closures and Dates
The closures are scheduled throughout 2025, beginning in January. Lloyds Bank will close 40 branches, while Halifax will shut 15 locations. The banks are part of the same Lloyds Banking Group, which also includes Bank of Scotland.
The first wave of Lloyds closures includes Mitcham and Totnes on January 8, followed by Ammanford on January 12, and Bideford and Fleet on January 13. Further Lloyds branches slated for closure include Chester-Le-Street, Ivybridge, and Addington on January 14, with Alfreton, Havant, and Lewes closing on January 19.
Notable later closures for Lloyds are Thornbury Avon on February 26, and a significant number in March, including Leominster, Peterlee Yoden Way, Hucknall, and Falmouth all in early March. Several branches, including Gillingham in Dorset, are not closing until October 2025.
For Halifax, closures start with Middleton on January 8 and Yeovil on January 12. Branches in Havant and Wandsworth will shut on January 15, with Seaford, Deal, and Hastings closing in late January. Horsforth will close in February, and locations like Birmingham Bearwood and Nelson will shut in March.
Banking Group's Response and Alternative Services
In response to the announcement, a Halifax spokesperson stated that the impact on customers is carefully considered. The bank indicated that following a branch closure, a Community Banker may visit the area, or an independent review could lead to a Banking Hub or Deposit Service being established nearby.
Lloyds Banking Group emphasised its commitment to providing multiple service channels. A statement highlighted the introduction of co-servicing, allowing customers to manage personal accounts with Lloyds, Halifax, or Bank of Scotland in one place. The group pointed customers towards online banking, mobile apps, telephone services, and remaining branches.
Impact on Communities and Access to Cash
The closure of 55 branches represents a continued trend of retreat from the physical high street by major banks, raising concerns about financial inclusion and access to essential services. Customers, particularly the elderly, vulnerable, or small business owners who rely on cash transactions, may face significant inconvenience and increased travel costs.
The promise of potential Banking Hubs—shared spaces where customers of different banks can perform basic transactions—offers some mitigation. However, the implementation of these hubs is not guaranteed for every affected community and often lags behind branch closure dates.
This move underscores the accelerating shift towards digital banking, forcing many to adapt while highlighting the ongoing need for accessible physical banking services for a substantial portion of the UK population.
