Calls for more in-person banking services in Oxfordshire
Councillors have raised concerns about elderly and vulnerable people
Calls to introduce more in-person banking services after Oxfordshire’s towns have been described as being left in a “banking desert” were agreed by the council.
Bicester, Didcot and Henley have lost their banks over the years, while Thame was also left without any banks after its Lloyd’s branch closed in February.
Councillors raised concerns about elderly and vulnerable people, as well as those who struggle with online banking, during a full Oxfordshire County Council meeting this week.
A motion calling for ‘banking hubs’ to be set up within existing buildings such as libraries to allow people to access in-person services was put forward at the meeting.
Speaking at the meeting, councillor Donna Ford, who represents Bicester North and proposed the motion, said: “I’m sure all of us in this chamber have seen banks within our divisions close their doors or reduce their hours.
“I understand that technological advances have made in-person banking less popular, however there are still elements of our communities who rely on in-person services.
“Bicester has lost Halifax, Barclays and HSBC all in the last few years with many others reducing hours.
“With this motion we can bring them back, albeit in a different format.
“Our libraries have huge potential which is not currently fully utilised, so why not bring the much needed banking facilities into our much underutilised libraries?”
Buckinghamshire Council has set up a banking hub in Buckingham library.
It offers a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out regular cash transactions, as well as a community banker service where customers can talk to their banking provider about more complicated issues.
Councillor Roz Smith, who represents Headington & Quarry, spoke in support of the motion and said: “We have seen banks disappear from our high streets and indeed from the city centre.”
She added that Headington only had one building society left, as well as the Post Office where people can use cheques.
Councillor Duncan Enright, who represents Witney North & East, said the banks were “absolutely crucial” to high street small businesses which trade with cash.
He added: “Where banking services disappear, as they have done in neighbouring such as Carterton, it’s a blow to local businesses.
“They need somewhere safe and secure in order to manage their own finances but also to manage the flow of cash.”
Witney still has a number of banks on the high street, including Lloyds, Barclays and HSBC.
Neil Fawcett, who cabinet member for corporate and community services, represents Abingdon South, said he supported the idea, and that a six-week trial with Didcot library with Lloyd’s bank.
Councillor Bob Johnston, who represents Kennington & Radley, said: “My division has suffered terribly and it’s a complete banking desert now.”
The motion was passed unanimously.