Lloyds Banking Group has confirmed a significant reduction of its physical presence on British high streets, with the first wave of closures set to begin within days. The banking giant will shut 16 branches across the UK during January 2026, marking the start of a wider plan to close a total of 71 locations.
The Scale of the Closures
The announced closures are part of a two-phase strategy. Following the initial 16 closures this month, an additional 55 Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland branches will cease operations before the end of 2026. This decision reflects a long-term industry trend away from traditional in-branch services.
A spokesperson for Lloyds Banking Group pointed to changing customer habits as the core reason. They stated that over 21 million customers now use banking apps to manage their money. The group emphasised that it is providing more choice than ever, blending digital convenience with human support where needed.
Alternatives for Customers and Industry Context
For everyday banking needs, customers of the affected branches are being directed to alternative options. These include using any remaining Lloyds, Halifax, or Bank of Scotland branch, the Post Office, or local banking hubs. The spokesperson also highlighted that cash can be deposited at over 30,000 PayPoint locations nationwide.
This move by Lloyds is not an isolated event. According to data from consumer champion Which?, 6,626 bank and building society branches have closed across the UK since January 2015. This equates to an average of roughly 53 closures every month, reducing the network by approximately 67% in just nine years.
Consumer Impact and Calls for Support
Sam Richardson, deputy editor of Which? Money, commented on the profound shift this represents for communities and the high street. "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," he said.
Richardson stressed that the issue is not necessarily about stopping all closures, but about ensuring essential services remain accessible. He called for the government to prioritise the rapid rollout of more banking hubs to prevent people from being left behind.
The first Lloyds branches scheduled for closure in January are:
- Alfreton – January 1
- Havant – January 1
- New Addington – January 1
- Mitcham – January 8
- Totnes – January 8
- Ammanford – January 12
- Bideford – January 13
- Fleet – January 13
- Chester-le-Street – January 14
- Ivybridge – January 14
- Lewes – January 19
- Swadlincote – January 20
- Hedge End – January 21
- Penzance – January 21
- Petersfield – January 21
- Hedon – January 28
