Local spokesperson warns loss of bank branches costing older people their independence
Fear of being scammed is also causing the older generation to shy away from the digital world
A local spokesperson's been telling us the disappearance of banks on the high street is costing the older generation their independence
Due to rapid closures of physical banking branches more people are having to rely on online banking
According to the Financial Times, over one in three bank branches have closed between 2019 and 2024
Claire Robertson works across multiple older age charities in north Surrey, she told us the transition to complete reliance on online banking has come too quickly
"So whilst we're still in this transition age, then I think there have to be other options. If somebody is 87 and they've never used a computer, they actually don't want to learn at that point."
Claire also emphasised the point about older people losing their independence
"In a lot of ways, independence is being taken away because if you can only do something online and you're having to get your children to do it for you, you don't necessarily want them knowing the ins and outs of your bank account.
I think it's desperately unfair. I know some 90 year olds who are extremely tech savvy and very capable. We're not talking about all older people, but there is certainly a tranche of older people who are severely affected by this."
According to recent statistics, fraud now accounts for 40% of all crime reported, Claire pointed out that fear of being scammed is leading to people shying away from the digital world out of fear of being conned
"A major issue that we see is nervousness. People are frightened of using banking apps because charities like ourselves have been running scam awareness training for many years. Banks themselves are very good at providing training and there's lots of programmes on television about it.
They haven't got the confidence to do that because they're seeing just so much publicity about being careful and not talking to people on the phone and they end up being scared to do anything."
Claire told us she believes part of the solution is giving people options and stretching out the transition period in order to hopefully avoid isolating people
"I don't think it's just about it being more accessible or easier. I think there need to be options. By the time my grandchildren are my age, they won't know any different.
It seems to have been a big change in a relatively short space of time"