The UK's high streets are facing a fresh wave of bank branch closures, with dozens of sites scheduled to shut their doors permanently in the coming weeks and throughout early 2025. This continues a trend that has seen hundreds of branches disappear this year, dealing another blow to local communities and in-person banking services.
Wave of Closures Hits Major Banks
Ten more branches are set to close before the end of December 2025, with a further 57 scheduled for closure in January alone. The cuts will affect customers of several major banking groups, including NatWest, Santander, Lloyds, Halifax, and the Bank of Scotland.
NatWest will close six branches on December 31, in towns including Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Cromer, and Torquay. Santander is shutting four sites in December, in Ilkley, Billericay, Larne, and Droitwich.
The Lloyds Banking Group, which includes Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland, will see a significant number of closures extending into the new year. A spokesperson for the group highlighted the shift in customer behaviour, stating: “The way people are banking has changed, with over 21 million customers choosing apps to manage their money.”
Banking Groups Defend Strategy and Offer Alternatives
The spokesperson emphasised the alternatives available, saying the group is “providing more choice than ever before”. They pointed to the continued use of banking apps, the Post Office network, shared banking hubs, and cash deposit services at over 30,000 PayPoint locations. The group is also launching "Community Bankers" to support customers who lose their local branch.
Amidst the closures, some institutions have made pledges to retain their physical networks. HSBC UK has committed to keeping its 327 branches open until at least 2027. Similarly, Nationwide Building Society promised in November to keep all 696 of its combined Nationwide and Virgin Money branches open until at least 2030.
Consumer Groups Warn of Impact on Communities
Consumer advocates have expressed concern about the pace of closures and their effect on those reliant on face-to-face services. Sam Richardson, deputy editor of Which? Money, commented: “While it’s good to see HSBC committing to not shut any more branches until 2027, it has still closed hundreds in the last decade, with real impacts on communities.”
He urged other firms to consider similar commitments, warning that those not ready for digital banking risk being "left in the lurch". The ongoing reduction of the branch network raises significant questions about financial inclusion and access to cash, particularly for vulnerable groups and small businesses.
Full list of confirmed bank closures in December and January:
NatWest (31 December): Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Cromer, Evesham, Launceston, Portishead, Torquay.
Santander: Ilkley (18 Dec), Billericay (20 Dec), Larne (22 Dec), Droitwich (29 Dec).
Lloyds (January 2025): Hedon, Ivybridge, Totnes, Lewes, Petersfield (all 1 Jan); Birmingham Harborne, Gillingham (Dorset) (8 Jan); Ammanford (12 Jan); Bideford, Fleet (13 Jan); New Addington, Chester-le-Street (14 Jan); Alfreton, Havant (19 Jan); Swadlincote (20 Jan); Penzance (21 Jan); Hedge End (28 Jan). Further closures are scheduled for February and March.
Halifax (January 2025): Yeovil (12 Jan); London Wandsworth (15 Jan); Seaford, Deal (19 Jan); Hastings, Skipton (22 Jan); Horsforth (26 Jan); Middleton (8 Jan). More are planned for early 2026.
Bank of Scotland (January 2025): Glasgow Anniesland (1 Jan); Larkhall (8 Jan); Bellshill, Tain (12 Jan); Erskine (13 Jan); Nairn, St Andrew (20 Jan); Castle Douglas (22 Jan); Gairloch (29 Jan). Additional closures are set for March.
